Bien de Altura Tidao 2022

Tidao is Carmelo Peña's return to his native Canary Islands after stints in Portugal, Chile, Ribera del Duero and El Bierzo, made from leased high altitude plots around San Mateo in the northwest of Gran Canaria. The blend is led by Listán Negro with Listán Prieto, Tinta Cão and a small portion of white fruit. The volcanic soils, elevation and cool Atlantic breezes give a wide day to night temperature range that holds acidity and lends a smoky, mineral edge. The wine is organic. It is aged for nine months on its lees, where the spent yeast cells slowly break down and release mannoproteins that add a fine, rounded texture and a savoury depth while keeping the fruit fresh. The colour is bright, light ruby. The nose unfolds strawberry and cherry over pepper and dried herbs, and the palate is light bodied and gently spicy, with crisp acidity, 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 dishes.