The grapes for the Ikewen tinto are sourced from old vines (on average 80 years old), growing between 1200-1460m - these are some of the highest vineyards in Europe, near the Pico de las Nieves, Gran Canaria's highest point. The grapes (mainly Listan Negro, with a smattering of other indigenous varieties, including some white grapes) are macerated for a month, roughly half whole cluster and half destemmed, and aged both in 500L used French barrels and stainless steel, for 8 months. Bottled unfined, unfiltered with a small amount of SO2.
The nose is bright and refreshing, showing macerated cranberries, pomegranate, and cherries joined to a persistently savory earthy note. The palate echoes, with bright red fruits, delicate tannins, and abundant, spicy, volcanic minerality. Great fun to drink, this improves with a bit of air, showing more complexity and exuberance over and hour or two. E. Lillie & B. Fletcher
Gran Canaria, Spain
