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Marcelo Retamal: Profiling Chile’s legendary winemaker

Top Chilean winemaker Marcelo Retamal has pioneered new regions and styles during his career at De Martino. Following his retirement last year he talks to Amanda Barnes about his latest projects and his ongoing quest to redefine Chilean wine.

Brought up in a Catholic family in Santiago, Marcelo Retamal knew he wanted to travel from a young age. He’d watched from the sidelines as his uncle, a renowned scientist, travelled worldwide and regaled him with inspiring tales from afar.

His own first taste of travel came in 1992 when the concert of his favourite band, Iron Maiden, was unceremoniously cancelled in Chile. ‘The church and state banned them from entering Chile for their demonic appearance… It was nonsense,” remembers Reta, as he’s known by friends. ‘So my parents got me a bus ticket to see them in Argentina. It was one of the best concerts in my life!’


Scroll down for tasting notes and scores of 12 iconic Marcelo Retamal wines



See tasting notes and scores of 12 iconic Marcelo Retamal wines


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