Tenerife Surprises

I thought that Tenerife was best for its climate and the stunning scenery of the Teide national park, rather than its wines. And I always believed that Tenerife would have been on the climatic margin for quality wine production. But the moderating influence of the Atlantic ocean and the location of the vineyards on the volcanic slopes indicated that I was wrong. The volcanic soils are also well drained and fertile. The last few days of my trip in early February were remarkable for the amount of rain, with some parts of the island receiving over 180 mm of rain in one day on the 2nd of February. I was amazed about how quickly the rain drained away from the volcanic slopes despite heavy localised floods.

We were staying at an apartment in Puerto Santiago (one of the smaller resorts) on the north western coast of the island and made several walks in the area around Santiago del Teide to see some of the vineyards and the volcanic slopes before the rain prevented our hiking.

I was surprised by the number of both German and British visitors to the island and was even more surprised by the number of "British" and "German" products in the supermarkets. I was even more surprised to find so many bulk Australian and Californian wines on sale.

Why come to Tenerife to drink new world wine? Is the local wine so bad? I had to try a bottle. The first one we tried was Marqués de Santiago Blanco Seco 2008 Ycoden-Daute-Isora. It was excellent with fish and had hints of green fruits and asparagus. It was much cheaper than a bulk Australian and I thought why on earth are the British not drinking this local delight? But of course, the power of branding and marketing is so strong. People become so familiar with a brand that they probably do not regard it as being a foreign product.

I never take or buy British products when I make a trip anywhere, not even tea. Maybe I am an exception to the rule and why buy Australian or Californian wine when in Spain? I would never dream of drinking Spanish wine on a trip to California or New South Wales.

In Tenerife they match the wine to the cuisine, but if you are eating Wall's sausages from the UK why bother with the local delights; each to his own taste.

I have made some brief notes about the other wines I tried on my brief visit to Tenerife , I urge all visitors to try them and others with the local cuisine which often consist of sardines, hake, solomillo (steak), roast kid and rabbit. The local potatoes cooked in their jackets with salted water are also delicious.

Viña Norte Red Tacoronte-Acentejo DO 2008 and produced by carbonic maceration:an excellent wine with intense red fruit flavours and full bodied with a long length on the palate.

Viñátigo Ycoden-Daute-Isora DO 2008 made from the Baboso Negra grape. This wine is full bodied , dry red with very concentrated red fruit flavours. The wine also has well structured tannins which are well integrated with the refreshing acidity. The wine at 15% alcohol did not taste hot. There was a long length on the palate. We drank this wine too young; it will not reach full maturity until 5 to 10 years. This was the best wine that we drank during our entire stay; although it is quite expensive at 20 Euros or so for a bottle. Drink with red meats.

"Patio Real" Urbano Diaz Dorta of Santiago Del Teide, Ycoden-Daute-Isora DO 2008 Dry Red wine; once again a wine that has a pronounced flavour of red berries and well integrated tannins and acidity. The wine had a long length on the palate and will keep. It is the perfect accompaniment to the local cuisine.

Flor de Chansa 2008 Cumbres de Abona Abona DO Dry white wine: this was a well balanced and structured wine with flavours of green fruits and gooseberries a nd with a mouth refreshing acidity. To be recommended with fish.

Bodegas de Miranda Valle de la Orotava Do 2008 Dry Red wine: this wine is full bodied and well balanced and structured for tannins, acidity and red fruit character, some flavour of blackcurrants. The wine will keep for several years.