Ignios Vijariego Negro 2022

Ignios Vijariego Negro comes from Bodegas Ignios in La Guancha, on the northern slopes of Tenerife, within the D.O. Ycoden-Daute-Isora. Borja Pérez has rebuilt this family winery around native Canary varieties, working to preserve the character of the grape and the place. Vijariego Negro is grown on volcanic soils at altitude, where the porous basalt and ash drain freely and retain heat, while the high elevation and Atlantic influence bring cool nights and a strong diurnal range that keeps acidity firm. These ungrafted island vines escaped phylloxera, giving real concentration at a moderate 13.5 per cent alcohol. The wine is aged eleven months in French oak, which adds a fine spice and smoke frame while letting the volcanic mineral character show. The colour is a deep ruby. The nose shows dark cherry and red berries over crushed thyme, black pepper, liquorice and a smoky, almost ashy mineral note. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with bright acidity, fine firm tannin and a long, mineral, herb-tinged finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled lamb, game and mushroom dishes.