Los Bermejos Diego Seco Lanzarote DO 2023

Los Bermejos is owned and run by winemaker Ignacio Valdera, on the island of Lanzarote, the most challenging of the Canary Islands on which to produce wine. A mere 125 km from the African coastline, conditions here are extreme, earning the island the reputation of “vineyard of the impossible.” The terrain of Lanzarote resembles a lunar landscape more than a traditional vineyard, as very little vegetation can survive in the porous, black volcanic soil that only receives a few inches of rain per year. Adding to the challenging conditions are the fierce winds from the Atlantic Ocean and Sahara desert, resulting in the innovative winegrowing technique of planting each vine in a small hole, or hoyo, each protected from the elements by its own stone wall. The hoyos also allow the vines to better access the organic matter beneath the top layer of solidified lava. As might be expected, yields are very low and all the vineyard work is done by hand (using pack camels), and organically (the winery is in the process of certification). Because his yields are so low (to produce enough wine from his own grapes to be financially viable, Los Bermejos would have to own most of the land on the island!) Ignacio purchases supplemental fruit from growers who share his philosophy of sustainable viticulture. This unique white is made from 100% diego, a grape varietal native to Lanzarote. Fruit is hand harvested from multiple hoyos of old, pre-phylloxera vines that grow ungrafted in the black volcanic ash. After harvest the grapes are fermented, then aged on the lees for three months, all in stainless steel. This distinctive white displays bright acidity across layers of yellow citrus, apple, and white peach, all deftly balanced by compelling, persistent texture and minerality. Sustainably grown.