INSIDER'S PICK: 2021 FRONTON DE ORO TINTO GRAN CANARIA $24.99

The volcanic Canary Islands off the coast of Spain are famous for their spectacular beaches and rugged interior terrain, long considered one of the great tourist destinations in Europe. Their wine is growing in fame as well, but it's rare to find much in the way of value to start exploring them. The local grapes are very unique to the island, and the land is harsh and demanding, often planted vine by vine in small hollows with a small wall set in front to protect it from prevailing winds. Yields are low and everything in these vineyards have to be done by hand, so while the results are unique and of very high quality it's rare to find a true value. Which is why this producer's wines are such a treasure, delivering the Canary Island experience for a very fair price. Listan Negro is the primary grape on the island and in this wine as well, along with  a bit of Tintillla, grown in some of the highest vineyards on Gran Canaria island. Dark and savory with very little oak aging to allow the natural rustic character to show through, the nose is full of smoky dark fruit and bitter herbs that get more peppery as the wine opens up. The texture is full but not as ripe as many Spanish wines, keeping the dark smoky flavors going with an earthiness that evokes the volcanic soils in the vineyards, yet finishes with more polished fine tannins than you would expect from all the rustic edges in the rest of the wine. These islands hold some of the oldest vines in Europe and the most unique wines from the Mediterranean, and tasting this may well fuel your interest in pursuing them, but this is a great place for  everyone to start the journey.

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