Suertes del Marqués, El Ciruelo, D.O. Valle de la Orotava, red wine, 0.75l

Grape variety:
El Ciruelo is a red wine made mostly from Listán Negro (97%) and a small share of Listán Blanco (3%), traditional native varieties of Tenerife. These varieties allow the wine to retain the authentic character of its volcanic terroir.

Vineyard:
The grapes come from an ungrafted vineyard covering just 0.75 ha, situated in the Valle de La Orotava between 500 and 550 m above sea level. The soil is volcanic, rich in minerals, and the vines are trained using the traditional "cordón trenzado" method, which supports low yields and high-quality grapes. Ungrafted vineyards are very rare in Europe, since most varieties were grafted after the phylloxera epidemic.

Production:
Fermentation takes place spontaneously in concrete or smaller oak vessels using native yeasts. The wine ages for 16–18 months in French oak barrels (50% new, 50% second-use), gaining complexity and subtle woody notes without overpowering the character of the varieties. Winemaker Jonatan Lima and the Suertes del Marqués team focus on minimal intervention: everything is done by hand, from vineyard work to harvest, with limited use of sulphur.

Aroma and taste:
The wine has a medium-full body, lively acidity and a harmonious structure. The aromatics are dominated by notes of red fruit, especially cherries and raspberries, complemented by subtle spicy and mineral undertones from the volcanic soil. Ageing in oak brings elegant notes of cedar, cocoa and dried spices. On the palate the wine is harmonious, with smooth tannins, a long and balanced finish, highly drinkable yet also suited to further ageing.

Food pairing:
El Ciruelo pairs beautifully with red meats, roast lamb, game, steaks and mature cheeses. It is recommended to serve it at 16–18 °C to fully bring out its aromatics and the fine structure of its tannins.

Alcohol content: 14%

Origin: D.O. Valle de La Orotava, Tenerife, 0.75l