The Artifice Tinto 2022 is made from Listan Negro and has everything you could desire from a Tenerife red, evoking wild cherry, pomegranate, strawberry and burnt orange peel. In terms of aromatic flare, it shares similarities with grapes like Nebbiolo, Nerello Mascalese and Gamay (imagine a Beaujolais sourced from a vent in the earth's crust through which lava, steam and ashes are expelled!). It’s only medium-bodied and fairly dainty for a red wine, with a tender core of sweet red cherry and raspberry fruit, similar to a Pinot Noir, but with intriguing background hints of smolten rock and the iron forge.

It’s the sort of wine I would love to be served at a groovy wine-bar like Sager and Wilde or The Remedy, either on its own or with food, or on my own or with company, because even if I’m on my own, it’s bound to pique the curiosity of my fellow drinkers and I probably won’t be drinking alone for long. 12% alc. Organic farming. 10 months in oak. Drink now-2029.

Organic farming

Press reviews:

The Wine Advocate (previous vintage): “The 2021 Artífice Tinto follows the path of 2018, with concrete, foudre and barrels, part of stems and a fresh and more Atlantic character. It has a moderate 12% alcohol but is still juicy and gentle, with its medium-bodied palate and fine-grained texture, floral and always peppery with volcanic echoes. Drink now-2028.” 93+ points

Decanter (previous vintage): “Inheriting the family estate in 2011, former racing car mechanic Borja Pérez opted to make his own wine rather than sell off his grapes locally – a crucial decision that led to him becoming one of the best viticulturists in the Canary Islands, sourcing old-vine fruit from small growers locally. His Artifice Tinto is a definitive expression of the Listán Negro grape grown on the Tenerife’s volcanic soils. Floral and dark fruit notes. Full-bodied, with a line of fresh orange acidity. Ultimately there’s a citrus freshness, and a long, concentrated finish." 95 points

Jancis Robinson MW (previous vintage): “Very stinky nose - too much for me!” 14.5 points [i.e. it’s not to everyone’s taste!]

Customer comments:

“The Tenerife wine is delicious!” - Mr A.R.