Rating for 2018: Wine Advocate - 98

Growers: Josi Angel Alonso & Envinate
Region: Canary IslandsLocality: Taganana, Tenerife
Climate: Atlantic
Varieties: Listan Negro, Vijariego, Malvasia Negra, Baboso, Negramoll,etc.
Soil: Volcanic
Elevation: 100-250 meters
Vine Age: 100+ years
Pruning: Untrained
Farming: Practicing organic

INFO

Taganan is Guanche (the native Canary language) for slope. It is also the name of the northwestern part of Tenerife where the vines grow wild on cliffs of pure volcanic rock just above the Atlantic Ocean. Parcela Margalagua (mother of water) is a single parcel farmed by Josi Angel Alonso. Sitting between 100-250 meters elevation, this magnificent parcel gives a glimpse into Tenerifes agrarian past, as the old vineyards on Tenerife were historically interplanted with many different grape varieties. The vines are at least 100 years old, untrained (growing wild on the ground), and planted on their own roots as is typical of the phylloxera-free Canary Islands. The northern coast of Tenerife experiences a fairly temperate climate, enabling grapes to ripen at moderate alcohol levels while retaining bright acidity. The main challenges to viticulture are winds from the Atlantic and Africa and fluctuations in humidity.

The grapes are hand-harvested, co-fermented 100% whole cluster with wild yeasts in older open-top 500L French oak barrels, and raised in old 228L barrels for 11 months. At bottling a touch of SO2 is added, but there is no fining or filtration. Parcela Margaelagua is nothing short of profound pungently aromatic with wonderful deep umami notes, high-toned citrus, spice, sea salt, and flowers, which is why Envinate considers it a grand cru site. A vertical wine to drink now or hold in your cellar.