Introducing Tenerife's Volcanic Soils And Its Wine
When it comes to Spanish wine, regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero usually steal the spotlight. But in recent years, Suertes del Marqués has turned Tenerife into ground zero for one of the most exciting movements in Spanish fine wine. At Vyne, we’re thrilled to bring these volcanic gems to Malaysia so you can taste this new wave for yourself.
The Winery Behind the Revolution
Founded in 2006, Suertes del Marqués is a small family-owned winery in the Valle de la Orotava, on the north side of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Today, the García family farms over 11 hectares of estate vineyards and works closely with local growers on an additional 15 hectares.
Their focus? Indigenous old-vine varieties with some more than 200 years old that thrive in volcanic soils of clay and sand. The region’s unique climate, moderated by cloud cover that keeps temperatures about 10°C cooler than the rest of the island, is the nature's gift to distinctive freshness and balance in the wines.
Image Source: Le Sommelier Inc.
Tradition Meets Innovation
One of the most striking vineyard practices here is cordón trenzado, a rare vine-training method where the long canes of old vines (sometimes up to 15m!) are braided back to their roots and supported by poles. This centuries-old technique is part of what makes Suertes del Marqués so unique, and it’s still used across many of their plots today.
Another rarity? The vines in Tenerife are ungrafted, as phylloxera (an insect pest of grapevines worldwide) never reached the Canary Islands. That means you’re tasting wine from rootstocks that have remained pure for centuries.
Image Source: Polaner Selections
Image Source: Polaner Selections
Winemaking Philosophy
Suertes del Marqués is all about low-intervention winemaking that lets the vineyards speak for themselves. Fermentation relies on wild yeasts, usually in uncoated concrete vats, often with whole bunches included. Aging happens in French oak foudres, giving structure without overpowering the natural flavours.
The results are wines that are light to medium-bodied, deeply aromatic, and expressive with forest, peppery, and earthy notes that reflect their volcanic origins. Since 2016, winemaking has been led by Luis Seabra (formerly of Niepoort), building on the foundation laid by Robert Santana of Envinate.
A Global Sensation
Despite being a relatively young project, Suertes del Marqués has quickly gained international recognition. Around 60% of production is exported to wine lovers worldwide, with the remaining bottles split between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.
Annual production sits at around 95,000 bottles across multiple cuvées with some in really low quantities, making them highly sought after.
Image Source: Wine Anorak
Why We Love Suertes del Marqués at Vyne
What excites us most is how these wines deliver a taste of place. Every bottle captures Tenerife’s volcanic soils, old vines, and heritage techniques, but also at a value that’s accessible compared to other fine wine regions. It’s a true opportunity for adventurous drinkers to explore something new.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to explore Spanish wines, Suertes del Marqués is a name you’ll want to remember.
