Martiena by Cantine Dei: Elegance and Refinement in a Bottle.

Introduction to Cantina Dei

In the heart of the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO heritage site for its enchanting beauty, stands Cantine Dei, a winery that has been able to combine tradition and innovation in the world of wine. Founded in the 1960s, the winery has always placed special emphasis on sustainability and attention to nature, practicing organic and bio-dynamic farming methods that respect the environment and enhance the terroir.

The Soil: The Basis of Quality

Martiena wine draws its essence from a clay-limestone soil, typical of the Tuscan region, known for its ability to retain water and maintain an ideal thermal balance for vines. These soil characteristics give the wine a distinctive minerality and complex structure, essential for creating a long-lasting white.

The Harvest: A Rhythm Determined by the Seasons

Grapes for Martiena are harvested strictly by hand at dawn, when cooler temperatures help preserve the aromatic integrity of the berries. This meticulous process ensures that each cluster arrives at the winery in the best possible condition, avoiding any possible premature oxidation.

Vinification and Ageing

Once in the winery, the grapes undergo a soft pressing, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel containers. This allows the wine’s fresh, fruity notes to be maintained and enhanced. After fermentation, Martiena rests on the lees for several months, gaining complexity and texture, before being bottled.

Sensory Profile: A Multisensory Experience

Martiena shows a bright straw yellow color with greenish highlights. On the nose, it offers a varied bouquet of aromas: notes of white-fleshed fruits, such as peach and pear, mingle with nuances of white flowers and mineral hints. In the mouth, it is fresh and well balanced, with a pleasant acidity that makes it lively and persistent.

Culinary Pairings: Versatility at the Table

Martiena, with its elegant structure and distinctive flavor profile, offers a wide range of possibilities when it comes to culinary pairings. Its versatility makes it ideal for exploring different flavor combinations, making it a suitable wine for a variety of gastronomic occasions, from simple home dinners to more formal events. Appetizers and Appetizers To start, Martiena pairs beautifully with light, fresh appetizers. An excellent choice is fish tartare, such as salmon or tuna, dressed with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of black pepper. Seafood carpaccios, such as sea bass or sea bream, are also enhanced with this wine, thanks to its ability to balance the sweetness of the fish with its lively acidity. Fish Dishes Martiena finds one of its best expressions when served with fish dishes. It is ideal to accompany first courses such as spaghetti with clams or seafood risotto, where its freshness contrasts nicely with the savoriness of the sea. More structured main courses, such as a baked sea bream with aromatic herbs or a sea bass in a salt crust, also marry harmoniously with this wine, whose minerality underscores its delicate flavors. White Meats and Vegetarian Despite its natural affinity with fish, Martiena also pairs well with white meats and vegetarian dishes. Lemon chicken or roast turkey with fresh herbs are good examples of how wine can complement more delicate meats without overpowering their flavor. For a vegetarian option, a vegetable caponata or asparagus and pecorino salad can be elevated by the fresh, slightly fruity touch of wine. Cheeses and Desserts When it comes to cheese, Martiena is best paired with fresh and medium-aged cheeses. Cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, or a light feta can be accompanied by this white wine, whose acidity balances the creaminess of the cheese. For those who wish to end the meal with wine, I suggest pairing it with desserts that are not too sweet, such as a fruit tart or lemon sorbet, where the wine can shine without competing with the sweetness of the dish. Conclusion Martiena ‘s versatility makes it an exceptional gastronomic companion, capable of navigating a variety of dishes and flavors. Its ability to pair with different types of food makes it a safe and satisfying choice for all kinds of occasions, celebrating culinary richness with a touch of elegance and refinement

The Right Goblet: Enhancing Every Sip.

To fully enjoy the qualities of Martiena, it is recommended that it be served in a medium-sized goblet, slightly elongated and closed upward to best concentrate the delicate and volatile aromas on the nose.

Serving Temperature: A Crucial Detail

The ideal temperature for serving Martiena is between 8-10°C. Serving the wine too cold could suppress its aromatic expressiveness, while too high a temperature would alter its freshness. Cantine Dei’s Martiena is an excellent example of how dedication to quality and respect for nature can converge in the creation of a high-end white wine. Offered at an affordable price of €16.50, this wine is not just a purchase, but an experience that enriches every meal, celebrating the richness and diversity of the Tuscan wine scene.