Taking advantage of our participation in the Canarias Wine Challenge, organized by La cava de Piñero, we visited the Ambora winery, distributed by Eclectics Vins, by Daniel Monsonís. A small family winery run by Felipe Hernández and located in San Ignacio (Tegueste). It is a charming place, surrounded by the purest Canarian nature, from where you can see the sea.
Ambora, the Guanche name given to the area centuries ago, focuses on the local wine-making tradition, working exclusively with native varieties, old vines, and traditional low trellis viticulture. This is a complicated system to work with, given the height at which the vines are located. The drought of recent years has not helped viticulture in the area either. Given the small size of the vineyards, production is very limited, but Ambora is the perfect example of the terroir philosophy.
We tasted their excellent whites. We were captivated by El Roquillo and Gual. These are very fresh wines, without reduction and with great roundness. The reds are also excellent. Negramoll Rosado is a delight, as are La Calderona and Paraje San Ignacio, the latter two made with Listán Negro. Each and every one of Ambora’s wines reflected what we had before us: the landscape of Tegueste in liquid form.
As could not be otherwise, we ended the visit by eating at Tasca Faracho, in La Laguna. A restaurant where they take great care with Canarian food. A place where you can eat really well and to which we will return at the earliest opportunity. The meal was accompanied by an excellent selection of blind wines organized by winemaker Juan Francisco Fariña (Los Loros), whom I congratulate once again on his second place in the Canarias Wine Challenge. That day we did much better than in the competition, but that’s how blind tastings are. Some days you have more insight than others. In short, it was an event where we enjoyed the food, the wines, and new friendships.
The Canary Islands are increasingly refining their wines. They are making the most of their quality and native varieties, many of which are delicious and have great potential. Ambora is one example, as are the wines of Juan Francisco Fariña (Los Loros), Borja Pérez, Suertes del Marqués, and Bodegas Tamerán in Gran Canaria. The list could go on and on. We can’t wait to return!