Meet Marco and Sebastian De Martino

Marco and Sebastián De Martino are Chilean winemakers behind the Ungrafted Project, a pioneering initiative dedicated to preserving and showcasing pre-phylloxera, ungrafted vineyards across Chile. Through this project, they focus on revealing the purest expression of terroir by working with vines that grow on their original rootstocks, untouched by grafting. Sourced from historic vineyards in regions such as Maule and Itata, the Ungrafted Project highlights old vines planted on granitic and volcanic soils, often in dry farmed conditions. These vineyards, some over a century old, benefit from Chile’s natural protection against phylloxera, allowing for wines that offer a rare level of authenticity and genetic purity. Working with traditional varietals such as País, Cinsault, Carignan, and Muscat, Marco and Sebastián De Martino emphasize minimal intervention in both vineyard and cellar. Their philosophy centers on preserving heritage vineyards, working with local growers, and maintaining traditional farming practices to ensure a genuine connection to the land. In the cellar, the approach is deliberately restrained native yeast fermentations, gentle extraction, and minimal sulphur use allow the wines to express freshness, texture, and transparency. The result is a range of wines that are vibrant, rustic yet precise, and deeply reflective of Chile’s viticultural history. At Origine, we feature the Ungrafted Project by Marco and Sebastián De Martino as part of our premium Chilean selection, highlighting winemakers who combine heritage preservation, authenticity, and terroir expression. These wines offer a unique perspective pure, unaltered expressions of Chile’s oldest vineyards.