One of the largest organic wine producers in Chile, De Martino was the first certified carbon-neutral winery in South America. Their commitment to preserving their land includes measuring their water usage to reduce their environmental impact and producing wines that accurately represent Chile’s uniqueness.

Chief Winemaker, Marcelo Retamal, is constantly searching for new and exciting terroirs. “Being recognized as ‘Winery of the Year’ is a great incentive for all of us at De Martino, as it motivates us to continue our quest for innovation and, above all, to produce wines which accurately represent their place of origin,” stated Retamal. As a result of their continuous experimentation, they have become specialists in the cultivation of high altitude vineyards in the Andes mountain range, such as those in the Choapa and Elqui Valleys. It has also challenged itself to restore old vineyards in the Maule Valley.

Family-owned since it was founded in 1934, De Martino has been a pioneer in South American winemaking, being the first to accomplish many feats.  From its certification as carbon-neutral to bottling Carmenere in its purity. They continue to strive for more without sacrificing their principles.

Opici Homemade Barberone Spaghetti with Tomatoes & Peppers

750 mL (1 bottle) Opici Homemade Barberone

1 lb spaghetti

2 tblsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, smashed

½ tsp red pepper flakes

1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, diced

8-10 grape tomatoes, halved

1 tblsp basil, roughly chopped

1 tblsp parsley, chopped

Salt, to taste

Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt.

In a saucepan, sauté garlic in oil. Add red pepper flakes & chopped bell pepper.  Cook until tender.  Toss together with tomatoes, basil, and parsley.

Cook the pasta in the boiling, salted water for about 4 minutes.  Drain the pasta, saving some of the water for the sauce. Return pasta to pot and add 1 bottle of Opici Homemade Barberone.  Cook the pasta in the wine until al dente.  Although the wine should be almost completely absorbed by the pasta, drain excess.

Add the pasta to the saucepan with some of the saved pasta water. Quickly toss on medium heat (less than 1 minute).   Add grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to taste and serve hot.  Serves 4.

Recipe submitted by Giovanna Lanza-Centola.

Whether you remain loyal to the original Chocolate, or try one of the new additions, you absolutely cannot go wrong.  Cocoa di Vine is available in stores nationwide. Be prepared for the festivities by picking up a few bottles at your local liquor store today.

Ramona is currently traveling the country to meet fans of her Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio. She’s already been to Florida, Chicago, Texas, Virginia and California. A portion of the proceeds from each appearance are donated to local charities, so purchase a signed bottle to support a good cause.

Check back often to see if she’s headed to your area next!

2012 Schedule

Date: Feb 18th
Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Location: Total Wine, Miami, FL (Pinecrest)
8851 SW 136th Street
Miami, FL 33176 
(305) 971-7615 

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Want to partake in turtle time?  Follow the link below to find out where you can purchase Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio.

Available Locations

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Questions? Suggestions? Email info@opici.com. And don’t forget to “LIKE” Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio on Facebook.

The sweet wine category is hot right now! Pay a visit to your local wine shop and the evidence it there.  Both whites and reds are stocked on shelves across the country.  Look for Opici Wines’ latest release in stores this fall – Rose’s Sweet Red.

Learn more about about Rose’s naughty and nice sides by following the link:  Rose’s.

A number of bottles in the Opici Wines portfolio are enclosed with screwcaps, and one of them — Due Torri Pinot Noir — was recently highlighted as #3 on Wisebread’s list of 10 Great Wines Under 10 Dollars:

Due Torri Pinot Noir 2009 (Italy)

Don’t be fooled by the screw top; this wine can compete with any of its corked counterparts. Dry and soft, this wine loves pesto or a rare steak. It has a velvety texture and an oaky finish that is perfectly balanced and easy going down. Though slightly higher in price, this wine is well worth the money.

Indeed, Due Torri Pinot Noir is one of the best bargains in Pinot Noir you’ll find, and it stays true to the varietal’s fresh and easygoing character. Due Torri is a secondary brand produced by Cesari — the winery best known for its fabulous Amarone wines.

Grand Renom has barely been in the country for more than a few weeks, but already people are taking notice — and writing about it.

Last week, Grand Renom was featured in a blog post on Tuta’s Wines. Tuta’s Wine is a site devoted to regional wines — wines with history and a sense of locality. The blogger writes only about wines that he likes and would bring home again. So as you might guess, the post includes a nice review of the wine but more importantly, gives you a good sense of where the wine comes from. Be sure to check it out to learn about the wine, the village of Eynesse, and the region Entre-Deux-Mers.

Tuta’s Wine: 2009 Chateau Grand Renom

However, around the same time, a number of people and companies flocked to South America to begin the process of creating high-quality wines, taking advantage of the continent’s high elevations, ideal climates, and mineral-rich soils. Entire plots of land were converted to vineyards; other vines were pulled out and replanted; “flying” winemaker consultants descended into the wineries; state-of-the-art facilities were built; and many other investments of time and expense were introduced to Argentina and Chile specifically.

Getting great wine from vines takes time, and over the last few years, we are starting to — pardon the pun — enjoy the fruits of those labors.

Recently, Joe Roberts — author of the 1 Wine Dude blog — wrote a piece in Palate Press titled Chilean and Argentinian Wines Exceed Bargain Bin Standards, which covers the history of wine in South America and some outstanding examples that have elevated the category from “bargain bin” to “serious and collectible” bottles.

Joe also wrote a great review of De Martino Single Vineyard “Las Cruces” Old Bush Vines, describing it as “… the full package: tobacco smoke, meat, chocolate, dark plum, juicy and silky … Focused, expressive, and sure to be empty at your dinner table in before-you-know-it timeframes.”

Additionally, Joe has been posting wine reviews on Twitter, and had some nice words for Ruca Malen Chardonnay, Ruca Malen Malbec, Ruca Malen Petit Verdot, Kinien Malbec, Kinien Don Raul, and Yauquen Cabernet Sauvignon; De Martino Legado Syrah; De Martino Altos Los Toros, De Martino Alto de Piedras, De Martino Limavida, De Martino El Leon, and De Martino Legado Chardonnay.