Suertes del Marqués El Chiribique 2020

Suertes del Marques was founded in 2006 by Francisco Javier Garcia Nunez and his son to revive winemaking in the Valle de la Orotava on Tenerife, working 11 hectares where each plot is farmed and vinified separately. El Chiribique is a red made from Listan Negro, the island's native black grape. The vineyards sit on volcanic soils, free-draining beds of ash and basalt that give Canary reds their marked salinity and smoky mineral character, while the Atlantic influence and altitude keep the fruit fresh and the alcohol moderate. Many of the old vines here are trained in the braided cordon typical of the valley. The wine is aged for 11 months in 500-litre French oak barrels, a larger format that lends structure and a little oxygen without a heavy wood imprint. Expect a bright, medium-bodied red with red cherry, raspberry and plum, a lift of dried herbs and a smoky, stony minerality on the finish. Serve lightly cool at 14 to 15 degrees. It suits roast pork, poultry and grilled oily fish.