2022 Suertes del Marques Tenerife Valle de la Orotava Trenzado, Canary Islands

I also tasted the white 2022 Trenzado from old cordón trenzado vineyards of Listán Blanco. It fermented and matured in oak foudres and barrels for 11 months. It has lower alcohol than the 2021, 12.2%, and very good freshness and acidity. The soils from Los Realejos are poorer than the ones from La Orotava, and the wines tend to be more reductive, as I saw in both vintages of this wine when compared with other whites from the Orotava village. He tries to ferment cleaner juice to have less reduction. This is tasty and has a rounder palate, while the wine from 2021 (that I tasted next to it) was more austere.

93 points Luis Gutiérrez robertparker.com

This charged, fuzzy/tangy, textural white takes its name from a trellis system unique to the Canary Islands and known locally as el cordón trenzado (the braided cord). This type of trellising results in a plaited cordon with several of a single vine’s branches braided together. It’s an old-vine blend of Listán Blanco from the high altitude, north-facing vineyards of Esquilón and La Piñer, with a young vine vidueño (field blend) from La Florida, where Gual, Marmajuelo, Torrontes, Albillo Criollo, Vijariego Blanco and Verdelho populate the vineyard. 

All the grapes are hand-harvested, and the wine is fermented (with a small portion left on skins) and aged in large oak ovals for nine months on lees before bottling.

The Suertes del Marqués Trenzado from Tenerife’s Valle de la Orotava in the Canary Islands is a remarkable white wine that encapsulates the unique volcanic terroir and traditional winemaking of this extraordinary region. Named after the braided vine training system (“trenzado”) used in the vineyards, this wine is an authentic expression of local varietals and the Canary Islands' rich viticultural heritage.

The nose is aromatic and complex, with captivating aromas of citrus zest, green apple, and white peach, intertwined with notes of wildflowers, fennel, and a subtle smokiness reminiscent of volcanic ash. Nuances of wet stone and salinity add depth and intrigue, reflecting the wine’s volcanic origins.

On the palate, Trenzado is medium-bodied with a textured and layered mouthfeel. Flavors of ripe citrus and orchard fruits are complemented by herbal undertones, a hint of toasted almond, and a distinctive mineral backbone. The wine’s vibrant acidity provides freshness and balance, leading to a long, precise finish that showcases its volcanic character and refined elegance.

Crafted from a blend of indigenous varietals such as Listán Blanco, Pedro Ximénez, and others, Suertes del Marqués employs sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in winemaking. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts, and the wine is aged in a combination of neutral vessels, including concrete and foudres, to preserve its purity and expressiveness.

This wine pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, grilled octopus, or Canary Islands specialties like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce. It also complements creamy risottos, light poultry dishes, or aged goat cheeses. Enjoyable upon release, Trenzado has the structure and complexity to age gracefully for 5–8 years, developing additional depth and nuance.