Bien de Altura Sansofí 2022

Carmelo Peña makes Bien de Altura Sansofí in San Mateo, in the cool, humid northwest of Gran Canaria, from old vines nearing a century in age planted above 1,100 metres. The grape is mostly Listán Negro with a small share of white varieties co fermented in. At this altitude the cool breezes and abundant humidity slow ripening and preserve acidity, while the volcanic soils give a mineral, savoury character. Co fermenting a little white fruit with the red lifts the aromatics and lightens the body, a traditional Canarian practice. The wine is organic. It spends eight months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds a measure of structure while keeping the fruit fresh and primary. The colour is light, bright ruby. The nose is delicate and vivacious, with strawberry and cherry over dried herbs and pepper, and the palate is light bodied and fresh, with crisp acidity, fine soft tannin and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve lightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees in a standard glass. It is a flexible red for lighter cooking.