Artifice Tinto, Borja Perez Viticultor, Tenerife, Spain 2021
Artifice Tinto, Borja Perez Viticultor, Tenerife, Spain 2021
The Artifice Tinto 2021 is made from Listan Negro and has everything you could desire from a Tenerife red, evoking wild cherry, pomegranate, kumquat, white pepper and orange peel. In term of aromatic flare, it shares similarities with grapes like Nebbiolo, Nerello Mascalese and Gamay (imagine a Beaujolais sourced from a vent in the earth's crust through which lava, steam and ashes are expelled!). It’s only medium-bodied and fairly zippy for a red wine, with sour cherry acidity, but it's full of character. It’s the sort of wine I would love to be served at a groovy wine-bar like Sager and Wilde or The Remedy, either on its own or with food, or on my own or with company, because even if I’m on my own, it’s bound to pique the curiosity of my fellow drinkers and I probably won’t be drinking alone for long! 12.5% alc. Organic farming. 10 months in oak. Drink now-2028.
Organic farming
Press reviews:
The Wine Advocate: “The 2021 Artífice Tinto follows the path of 2018, with concrete, foudre and barrels, part of stems and a fresh and more Atlantic character. It has a moderate 12% alcohol but is still juicy and gentle, with its medium-bodied palate and fine-grained texture, floral and always peppery with volcanic echoes. Drink now-2028.” 93+ points
Decanter (previous vintage): “Inheriting the family estate in 2011, former racing car mechanic Borja Pérez opted to make his own wine rather than sell off his grapes locally – a crucial decision that led to him becoming one of the best viticulturists in the Canary Islands, sourcing old-vine fruit from small growers locally. His Artifice Tinto is a definitive expression of the Listán Negro grape grown on the Tenerife’s volcanic soils. Floral and dark fruit notes. Full-bodied, with a line of fresh orange acidity. Ultimately there’s a citrus freshness, and a long, concentrated finish." 95 points
Customer comments:
“The Tenerife wine is delicious!” - Mr A.R.