Tacoronte-Acentejo is a traditional, long-established wine region in the Spanish Canary Islands. It is currently enjoying high levels of attention, due to the "wine & sex" parties organized by local wine star Felipe Monje of Bodegas Monje.
Tacoronte-Acentejo is the Canary Islands' oldest DO - a status it received in 1992. It derives its name from two towns in the north-east of Tenerife, where the designation lies. It is considered to be the Canary Islands' unofficial trendsetter, owing to its modern approach to quality winemaking and focus on exports. The designation houses the island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where the archipelago's most important port is situated – a strategic facility for shipping wine overseas.
©Bodegas Monje
The landscape in Tacoronte-Acentejo is defined by Tenerife's volcanic backbone, which runs through the center of the area. The terrain is distinctly rippled, creating steep slopes and deep, narrow valleys. The altitudes rise steeply from the coast to more than 5250ft (1600m) at the center of the strip. This corner of the island is mostly green, lush and fertile.
The vineyards here are located on steep, north-facing terraces at altitudes of 330ft to 3280ft (100m–1000m). The climatic conditions are mostly mild Mediterranean-style due to the frequent mists originating from the Atlantic Ocean, and the soils are volcanic in nature, with a distinct reddish color. That said, site-specific conditions help in the production of Tacoronte-Acentejo's high-quality wines.
As in the rest of the Canary Islands, the region was fortunate to escape the phylloxera outbreak that devastated European vineyards. However, while the sap-sucking louse hasn't been an issue, strong winds, hail and high temperatures in summer can pose a threat to vines.
Tacoronte-Acentejo wines are predominantly red, and produced mostly from Listan Negro and Tinta Negra Mole grapes. However, what separates the DO from other designations in the islands is its strong focus on exports, which has motivated many producers to experiment successfully with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Tempranillo.
Tacoronte-Acentejo's wines come in styles ranging from young and easy-drinking to barrel-matured versions in line with many quality tintos (red wines) from mainland Spain. Some rosado (rosé) wines are also appearing, authorized by the local Consejo Regulador wine authority
The small quantities of white wine produced here are based on the native Gual (Bual), Listan Blanco (Palomino) Malvasia and Marmajuelo grape varieties. The area's volcanic soils impart distinctive mineral notes, giving the wines a signature character.
