Suertes del Marques 'El Lance' 2019

El Lance is Suertes del Marqués' single-vineyard expression of old-vine Listán Negro from the volcanic slopes of the Orotava Valley in Tenerife, Canary Islands. This is one of the most distinctive and serious red wines you'll find anywhere – grown on pure volcanic soils at altitude, showing what this indigenous variety can achieve when it's treated with respect and given time to develop.

Suertes del Marqués is located in the Orotava Valley on the northern slopes of Mount Teide, where the combination of volcanic soils, Atlantic influence, and dramatic altitude creates unique conditions for viticulture. The old vines are trained in the traditional cordón trenzado (braided cordon) system, growing ungrafted in sandy volcanic soils.

El Lance comes from a single vineyard site with old vines, giving the wine exceptional concentration, complexity, and aging potential. What you get is red berries, herbs, volcanic minerality, a touch of smoke, and that characteristic bright acidity and freshness from the altitude and Atlantic influence. There's structure, depth, and layers of complexity that unfold as the wine opens up.

The winemaking is minimal intervention, allowing the volcanic terroir and old vines to express themselves fully. The result is a wine that's both distinctive and genuinely age-worthy, showing what makes Canary Islands wine so special and different from anywhere else in Spain. The 2019 vintage is drinking beautifully now but will continue to develop with further cellaring.

Serve it at room temperature with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, stews, game, or aged cheeses. Give it some air if you have time – it rewards patience. This is serious, characterful red wine from one of Europe's most unique wine regions.