2016 7 Fuentes, Suertes del Marqués, Tenerife

The ancient vines of Suertes del Marqués grow at altitude on the steep volcanic slopes of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. They are considered one of the island's finest producers, and their mineral wines are evocative of the unique soils their ancient vines grow on. Although there is a long history of winemaking here, the wines have remained under the radar. But thanks to talent like Jonaton Garcia, his pioneering winemaking is starting to put the island on the map. His 11 hectares of vines, some of which are thought to be up to 200 years old, grow up to 700 metres above sea level on the cooler north side of the island in the Orotova valley. They are often protected from the glare of the island’s sun by a layer of cloud. Jonaton’s commitment to preserving the vinous heritage of Tenerife is clear; he grows only native varieties: Listán Negro and Blanco dominate amid others including Vijariego Negro, Baboso Negro, Castellana Negra, Malvasía Rosada and Torrontés Volcánico. His vines are divided into parcels, and he uses the island's ancient trellising system - trenzado - which allows the vines’ armes to extend out up to 10 metres wide. He farms organically, handpicks, and uses minimal intervention in the winery. The result is a unique range of red, white and even fortified wines with freshness and complexity and are a delicious expression of their fascinating terroir.