Suertes del Marqués

7 Fuentes, 2016, Suertes del Marqués, Tenerife, Spain

When thoughts turn to Spanish wines, often it’s the spicy riservas of Rioja, or the steely Albariños from Rías Baixas that take centre stage. Perhaps, a particularly good cava or a declassified fizz from Penedes. All of these, we have on our list and heartily enjoy but this month we urge you to take a glance in the direction of Tenerife as well.

Thanks to the stunning work of a younger generation of vignerons and producers, such as Suertes del Marqués, the volcanic island, traditionally home to sunseekers and bike-riders, is now a hotbed of indigenous grapes and unique wines.

Owner Jonatan Garcia Lima, along with winemaker Luis Seabra, follow a low-intervention policy in their family run vineyards, working manually in the field and the cellar, with only native grapes and indigenous yeasts. The estate covers 11 hectares of varied plots, with ancient vines and volcanic soil producing pure, mineral-driven wines of great poise.

We’ll be pouring 7 Fuentes, a smoky-savoury-nosed cherry hit, all September and for many months to come. ¡Salud!