Suertes del Marqués La Solana 2019

La Solana is a site specific red from Suertes del Marqués in the Valle de la Orotava in northern Tenerife, made entirely from Listán Negro. The fruit comes from old vines of more than a hundred years, planted between 400 and 520 metres on northeast facing slopes and trained on the unusual multi corded braided system local to the valley. The poor volcanic soils, formed on volcanic rock, give the wine its minerality, salinity and lift, while the altitude and Atlantic air preserve acidity and keep alcohol in check. Ageing runs to twelve months in 500 litre French oak, larger barrels whose lower wood to wine ratio and slow oxygen exchange build texture and integrate tannin without imposing obvious oak. The colour is a luminous mid ruby. The nose is savoury and detailed, with red cherry, wild berry, cracked pepper, dried herbs and a smoky, ashy volcanic note. The palate is fine boned but structured, with bright acidity, fine tannin and a long, saline, stony finish that reflects the old vines and the rock beneath them. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees in a Burgundy glass. It rewards game and earthy dishes.