Puro Rofe Tinto 2022

Puro Rofe is the project of winemaker Carmelo Peña, who trained under Dirk Niepoort and Raúl Pérez, and distributor Rayco Fernández, two friends from Lanzarote set on showing what the island's volcanic terroir can do. This red is made from the native Listán Negro grape in the D.O. Lanzarote, farmed sustainably and with minimal intervention. The vines grow in black volcanic ash, or rofe, which gives the wine its name; the porous ash traps moisture and reflects heat, while the warm Atlantic climate is tempered by ocean winds. These volcanic soils are the source of the wine's smoky, saline signature. Listán Negro is naturally light in colour and structure, and the low-intervention approach keeps the fruit fresh and unforced. The colour is a pale, bright red. The nose shows red berries and cherry, black pepper, dried herbs and a distinct smoky, mineral edge. The palate is light to medium bodied and lively, the tannins fine, the acidity fresh, with a saline, volcanic finish that sets these wines apart. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees. Its light frame and saline lift suit grilled fish as readily as poultry and pork.