2018 Bodegas Los Bermejos, Listan Negro, Maceracion Carbonica, Lanzarote D.O. Canary Islands, Spain.
The Bodegas Los Bermejos, in the Canary Islands is one of the most interesting estates of this volcanic islands range, run by winemaker Ignacio Valdera, is located on the easternmost island of Lanzarote, that is just 125km from the African coast. This is one of the most extreme vineyard locations on the planet with vines fighting to survive by digging through lava rock in pits to keep the harsh Atlantic winds from ripping the canopy apart, but through all this Ignacio still hand crafts an amazing set of wines, including this lively and juicy fresh all Carbonic red made from the native Listan Negro grape, which was brought here by Spanish explorers and Missionaries many centuries ago, as well as a crisp mineral driven Malvasia and one of coolest Methode Champenoise sparkling wines in the world. The Canaries have been getting a lot of love in recent years, with serious stars of the Islands, like Envinate, this Los Bermejos, as well as Crater, Suertes del Marques and Fronton de Oro are all wines to try and discover.
All of Los Bermejos’ vines are set in the crust of petrified lava and ash that runs 3-5 meters deep from an ancient eruption and six year lava flow that created these wild landscapes and each vine is individually hand tended using organic and sustainable practices without irrigation, making for tiny yields and excellent concentration of flavors which shows in this vividly fresh Carbonic Maceration Listan Negro. A beautiful purple/garnet hue greets you in the glass and the nose is floral and spicy leading to a medium bodied vibrant palate with blackberry, plum and sweet cherry fruits along with red pepper flakes, shale like stoniness, iron and herbs de Provence. Mild alcohol and light tannins add to the quaffable appeal of this all tank raised wine, which goes great with its unique traditional carafe style bottle. Serve this interesting red with a slight chill for the best and most refreshing results and have with picnics, BBQ’s and or Holiday meals, same as you would a classic Beaujolais.
($25 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive