Bimbache Tinto 2021

Rayco Fernandez and his team in El Hierro present the Bimbache Vinícola project, which aims to restore and highlight the rich variety of grape varieties and the unique terroirs of one of the smallest and most isolated islands in the Canary Islands.

Bimbache Tinto 2021 is a red wine from the El Hierro DO, made primarily from Listán Negro, blended with Vijariego Tinto and small amounts of white grapes such as Listán Blanco, Vijariego, and Forastera.

The grapes are destemmed and macerated for about two weeks in stainless steel tanks, where they ferment spontaneously with native yeasts and without temperature control. The wine ages for about a year in stainless steel and is bottled without fining or filtering, following a philosophy of minimal intervention that seeks to preserve its freshness and terroir-driven character. Pablo Matallana served as the winemaker for this vintage.

In the glass, it stands out for its red fruit, plum, herbs, and spices, accompanied by mineral notes reminiscent of lava and volcanic rock. On the palate, it is fresh, light, and elegant, with very fine tannins, good acidity, and a slightly salty finish. An Atlantic-style, food-friendly red that showcases a little-known facet of El Hierro, particularly well-suited for pairing with poultry, cured meats, white meats, fatty fish, and seasonal cuisine.

The 2021 vintage received 93 points from Robert Parker.