Envínate Benje Blanco

2020 was also very dry, like 2019 in Santiago del Teide in the south of Tenerife. The grapes for the 2020 Benje Blanco were picked earlier than ever, starting in mid-August. The wine fermented by plot in concrete with indigenous yeasts, and 20% of the volume matured in an oval 2,500-liter oak foudre and the rest in concrete, where half of it developed a thin layer of flor yeasts that give it a sharper texture rather than aromas or flavors, as these yeasts eat glycerin and make finer wines. So, the flor is only in 40% of the wine, less than in 2019. The difference here is that they stopped controlling the temperature (something they already did with Palo Blanco) and they stopped using 228-liter barrels and moved to 350-liter barrels from Chassagne-Montrachet. It makes the wine more expressive of the soils and with less fruit character. All this has increased clarity and definition in the white wines from Tenerife. This is livelier. 15,000 bottles and 150 magnums were produced. It was bottled in June 2021.

Tasted blind. The wine seems on the natural side, it displays cider notes, fennel, dill and laurel, it is quite herbal. It is refined in texture, quite fresh and displaying an elegant salty sensation. Well made and pleasant with a remarkable freshness.

Dried-apple, pineapple and mango character with some creamy undertones. It’s medium-bodied with a tangy aftertaste. Lots of flavor. Hints of salted nuts at the end. Drink now.