Suertes del Marqués Las Suertes 2022

Suertes del Marqués Las Suertes is a single plot red from a small family winery in the Valle de la Orotava, on the north face of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It is built on Listán Negro, a variety found almost nowhere else, with a small share of Tintilla. The vineyards sit on volcanic soils on steep, terraced Atlantic slopes, and the vines are ungrafted, as Canarian phylloxera free sands have allowed old, often braided vines to survive. The volcanic terroir and cooling ocean influence give Canary reds their hallmark freshness, fine tannin and smoky, mineral character, while the altitude and breezes preserve aromatics. The wine is aged twelve months in 500 litre French oak, larger barrels that allow gentle oxygenation and rounding of the tannins while keeping wood flavour in the background so the volcanic fruit leads. The colour is bright, medium ruby. The nose shows red berries and cherry with black pepper, dried herbs and a smoky, stony minerality. The palate is fresh and lithe, light to medium bodied, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. It suits grilled meats, game and mushroom dishes.