I recently attended the Island Wines Summit in Tenerife, where the opening tasting was led by Josep Roca from El Cellar de Can Roca. His engaging presentation captivated the audience as he shared the stories behind the wines, particularly resonating with those who experienced it in Spanish.
Here are some highlights from the tasting:
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JR Brice Domaine de L’lIe d’Yeu Blanc du Caillou Chenin 2023, L’Ile d’Yeu, France
This inaugural release features grapes sourced from granite soils and is crafted with no added sulfites in stainless steel. The result is a crisp and focused wine with bright lemon notes, a stony minerality, and high acidity. It rated 94/100. -
Justino’s Projects Listrão Biological 2024 DOP Madeirense, Porto Santo, Portugal
Made from Palomino grapes grown on old vines, this wine showcases textured lemon and pear fruit complemented by almond undertones. It is distinctive with good mineral extract, yielding a lovely balance and rated 93/100. -
Azores Wine Company Arinto dos Açores Solera NV DO Pico, Azores, Portugal
This wine exhibits a complex nose with toast and spice, transitioning to a rich and intensely concentrated palate. It features lively citrus and hints of cream and honey, earning a score of 94/100. -
Domaine De Kalathas 10 +12 Aspro Potamisi 2022, Tinos, Greece
This distinctive wine, with its nutty and oxidative qualities, has rich flavors mingling with subtle stone and salt notes. It scored 93/100. -
Suertes del Marques Vidonia VP Listan Blanco 2016, Valle de la Orotava, Tenerife
A complex and expressive wine with toast and nutty characteristics alongside a mineral core and lovely tension, rated 95/100. -
4 Kilos Vinicola Motor Gold 2014, Mallorca, Spain
This wine, made in clay vessels without added sulfites, has developed intricate layers of tea, spice, and mandarin. It finished with a long, alert taper and scored 95/100. -
Sugrue South Downs Pinot Noir 2022, Essex, England
This impressive wine shows concentrated raspberry and cherry fruit enhanced by spicy oak, rating 94/100. -
Corvus Vineyards Pasito 2015, Bozcaada Island, Turkey
Featuring the Vasilaki grape, this powerful and complex wine reveals flavors of grape and lime, finishing lively with grapefruit and wax notes, receiving a score of 94/100.
The event was a remarkable showcase of diverse and high-quality wines, each bringing a unique story from its respective region.