WINE INFORMATION
The winemaking history of the Canary Islands dates back hundreds of years, with dessert wines being particularly famous in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In recent years, the Canary Islands have become a flourishing wine region. Five of the islands in this subtropical archipelago now have DO status including the island of Lanzarote, where this wine was grown. The vines grow on the island’s well known volcanic soils, locally known as “picón,” in the region of Geria. This soil creates quick drainage as well as evaporation of the already minimal amount of water in the soils due to low yearly rainfall. The mountainous region is exposed to such strong winds that the vines are trained in “hoyos,” or low lying vines grown in a circular shape. Each individual vine is planted in crater-like holes in the black volcanic soil and surrounded by a semi-circle stone wall to protect it from the wind. Due to these adverse conditions, the vines are extensively tended by hand and yields are extremely low.
The tiny Bodega Los Bermejos was founded in 2001 and produces less than 1000 cases of wine annually. This particular cuvee was made from an indigenous grape called Listán Negro using carbonic maceration. Like many wines from this region, the wine is meant to be drunk young due to its subtle acidity. It is the most common red grape grown on the Canary Islands.
TASTING NOTES:
This very fragrant wine begins with aromas of charcoal, grilled strawberries, raspberries, and botanical herbs. The juicy, mid-weight palate offers exceptionally soft red fruit flavors along with hints of vanilla and bittersweet chocolate. Lingering behind the fruit there is a sensual floral quality, and the finish has a bit of a bitter cherry pit note. Pure and bright, the intensity of the fruit is enduring despite the lighter body, and the tannins are velvety and the texture unforgettable.
FOOD PAIRING:
Enjoy this lighter red wine with spicy foods including Mexican fare and Thai food. Alternatively, the wine would pair quite well with roasted chicken, salmon, or even fried food. Many Mediterranean dishes, appetizers, cheeses and tapas would suit this wine too.
Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, East Asian (Chinese/Japanese/Korean), Fish-full flavored (salmon/tuna), Hors d'oeuvres, Mexican, Spicy Food, Tapas, Thai or Vietnamese