Los Loros Listán Negro 2023

Los Loros Listán Negro is a barrel aged red from the DO Valle de Güímar in the Canary Islands, made by Juan Francisco Fariña Pérez from the native Listán Negro variety. The Fariña family had sold bulk wine for generations before bottling their own from 1999, working their estate vineyards with native grapes and minimal intervention. The fruit comes from El Borujo, the family estate, where the volcanic soils define the wine. Free draining basaltic ground holds little organic matter, which limits vigour and lends a smoky, mineral and savoury character that runs through Canary reds. The vineyards sit at altitude under an Atlantic influence, the cool conditions keeping alcohol modest at 12.5 percent and the fruit fresh. Listán Negro is naturally light in body with bright acidity, and a spell in barrel adds structure and a touch of spice without weighing the wine down. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose offers red berries, cherry and white pepper over a smoky, volcanic note. The palate is light and lively, the acidity carrying the fruit, finishing on earth and dried herbs. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees. Good with grilled pork and tuna.