Vijariego Blanco 2022 – Bodegas Viñátigo

The Vijariego Blanco Bodegas Vinatigo grapes were cooled to almost 0°C prior to vinification. Sulphur was not added, because at these temperatures oxidation takes place more slowly, which permits the winemakers to work without the use of additives while preserving the high quality. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeast in Allier oak barriques of 225 and 350 litres. The wine was aged in the same oak barrels, on its fine lees with regular bâtonnage for six months, imparting complexity and texture.

The absence of phylloxera in the Canary Islands has preserved many unique varieties creating an unparalleled viticultural heritage. As a result, all of the vines are ungrafted, allowing for complete interaction between the plant and soil, which helps to impart the marked minerality in the wines. The combination of volcanic soils, the cooling Alisios trade winds and the distinctive microclimates found on the island, contributes to the extraordinary personalities of the wines. The vineyard is managed sustainably without the use of herbicides or synthetic products. Due to the orography of the land, the vineyards are manually cultivated resulting in handcrafted wines.

The philosophy behind Bodegas Vinatigo is to revive and promote the extensive varietal heritage of the Canary Islands. The journey started in the 1990s, at a century-old plot in the village of La Guancha, in the north of Tenerife, where the traditional varieties of Listán Blanco and Listán Negro were vinified in the old family winery. With an uncompromising eye on quality, this dynamic winemaking project has subsequently expanded to produce thrilling, modern wines from varieties such as Gual, Marmajuelo and Vijariego. Bodegas Viñátigo’s ethos is respectful of the environment, both in the vineyard where sustainable winegrowing practices are applied; and in the construction of its state-of-the-art winery which was built in 1997 from local materials and designed to minimise energy consumption.