Longing for the sun - 88p

When we suffer from the winter blues we do tend to dream of warmer places and one of the most popular islands to escape to for us Norwegians when we long for the sun is the Canary Islands. But the sun there doesn’t just help us pale people from the North. It helps grow grapes the produce some fine wines!

​Since 1990, Juan Jesús Méndez has been the driving force and embodiment of Viñátigo, a fine winery from Tenerife. Juan is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers in the island. During the twenty-five years that he’s overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated. By combining Tenerife’s natural resources with their own diligence and skill, Bodegas Viñátigo is able to produce modern wines that are deeply rooted in our traditions and signature style.

This weeks wine is made from 100% Listán Negro, a grape the is very typical for Tenerife. It is made from ungrafted grapevines that are more than 100 years old. Grown between 300 and 700 meters above sea level, in the northwest of Tenerife. After a week of maceration the wine is made in a tank and then left to aged for three months in three to five years-old 225l French oak barrels. ​

Tasting notes:

Viñátigo Listán Negro 2021 - 239,90

A generous nose that reminded me of smoke and tar, with wild chokecherry, pomegranate fruit and herbs, black pepper, and a strong mineral, volcanic character. Flavours are a bit unusual and sour-edged yet the texture and tension are smooth and appealing. Tannins are quite mild; the length is excellent. This is perfect with charcuterie and a beef stew.

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