ENVINATE BENJE BLANCO 2017

Envinate began with four friends, who met studying wine at university, near Alicante. They decided to form a wine company together, and are now making some of Spain’s most exciting wines, with a focus on Ribeira Sacra and the Canary Islands.

The Benje Blanco is from small plots on the volcanic slopes of Tenerife. Planted at high altitudes, this expression of Listan Blanco (Palomino) has racy acidity and a zippy olive brine palate. A fascinating volcanic white.

Winery notes (2017 Vintage)
"The fruit for the Benje wines comes from vineyards in Santiago del Teide, high on the northwestern volcanic slopes of Tenerife. Altitude is around 1,000 metres. The climate is Atlantic with an average rainfall of 550 mm. This enables grapes to ripen to moderate alcohol levels while retaining freshness and good acidity.

Each parcel is vinified separately, in a mix of concrete tanks and open tubs. 75% of the fruit is pressed directly off the skins, the other 25% undergoes skin contact for between 14-40 days. The wine is aged for 8 months in 60% concrete and 40% old French barriques, on the fine lees. No battonage or sulfur is used. It is clarified using a little Bentonite, and bottled unfiltered.

Characteristic volcanic smoky notes with an orchard fruit core. Brine and salt on the palate, paired with lively acidity."

94/100 Greg Sherwood MW, Wine Safari, September 2018 (2017 Vintage)
"An expressive mineral wine, these old vine grapes are grown on black volcanic soils around Mount Teide which produce pronounced aromatics dominated by crushed gravel, dusty basalt, bruised apples, pear skins and maritime oyster shell salinity. The palate is pinpoint and focused with a very fine textural mouthfeel, crisp pithy white pear, dry white citrus, and freshly sliced Granny Smith apple fruits. The acidity is super bright and mouth watering and reinforces the steely character of this wine. In many ways a wine that challenges the senses and finishes with the sensation of sucking wet river pebbles with metallic pur sang bloody nuances. Perhaps not for novices, but this wine certainly ranks very highly among the world’s most intriguing mineral whites. Drink now till 2024+."

Reviews for the 2016 vintage below…

94/100 Jamie Goode, April 2018 (2016 Vintage)
"This is Listan Blanco (Palomino) from 1000 m. Complex nutty pear and citrus nose with some waxy hints. Lively and nutty and textural on the palate with lemons, herbs and fine spices. Tangy and complex."