Mariatinto was founded in 2002 by winemaker Humberto Falcón and chef Guillermo González Beristáin. They set out to make a Mexican wine designed to work with both Mexican and international food.
Mariatinto has grown to become synonymous with high-quality wine in Mexico. In the vineyards and in the cellar, work is done with minimal intervention, organically wherever possible and always to allow the grapes to speak for themselves.
The Pacific’s cool breezes help moderate the growing season’s heat, allowing grapes to ripen while retaining acidity. This is one reason the region can produce fairly concentrated reds without becoming flat or heavy. Mariatinto’s vines grow in sandy clay-calcareous soil that combines ancient marine limestone, moisture-retaining clay, and fast-draining sand. It’s a unique terroir that lends itself to bold, expressive wines.
Each block is harvested separately at full phenolic ripeness. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, they’re destemmed and crushed directly to stainless steel tanks for temperature-controlled fermentation. The duration and temperature of fermentation, as well as pumpover schedule, depends on each batch. After each tank of wine finishes its alcoholic fermentation, the wine is then inoculated to carry out malolactic fermentation in the same tank. Later, it’s decided what age of barrel each batch will use (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th use). All batches of wine remain in French oak barrels for 12 months. Afterwards, the final blend is assembled and placed in a stainless steel tank to carry out clarification and light filtering prior to bottling. The 2023 Mariatinto premium red is a complex blend of Tempranillo 30%, Syrah 30%, Nebbiolo 30%, Merlot 5% and Cabernet Franc 5%.
Tasting Note
The powerful nose opens with complex notes of fresh raspberry, blackberry, plum and blueberry, followed by violets and rose petals, fresh leather and cedar. The palate dances with intensity and elegance. Its firm and linear tannins and fruity mid-palate cascade into a long, fresh finish of red fruit and dark chocolate.
Food Pairing
The 2023 Mariatinto premium red blend will shine with slow braised beef, either barbacoa style served in corn tortillas and salsa; or braised with herbs and served over mashed potatoes and fresh herbs. The wine’s structure connects with the savouriness that comes from beef cooked low and slow. In the tacos, lime juice and salsa will perk up this pairing. Likewise, if you’re leaning into the mashed potatoes, be sure to include a scattering of fresh herbs for that same lift. Either way, your kitchen will smell the coziest it’s been in months.