Not all of the Canary Islands are the same; each island has its own distinct characteristics, as demonstrated by Rayco Fernández, a wine merchant specialising in small-scale producers. Driven by his passion for Canary Islands wine, he decided to craft his own creations. Thus began his venture into winemaking, initially in Lanzarote under the name Puro Rofe, and subsequently on the island of Hierro. For this latter project, he draws inspiration from the name of the island's early inhabitants: the Bimbaches. A poetic way to highlight this genuine viticultural paradise, which boasts a unique reserve of indigenous grape varieties, along with a rich diversity of soils and climates. A tribute to the authenticity and uniqueness of the Canary Islands' landscapes and vineyards.
Collaborating with local organic viticulturists, Rayco introduces wines such as Bimbache Grand Cruz del Calvario, a blend sourced from a vineyard surrounding the winery itself, known as Cruz del Calvario, noted for being one of the coolest areas of the island. It consists of a mix of grape varieties: verijadiego blanco, listán blanco, forastera blanca, baboso blanco, and gual, all organically cultivated and hand-harvested. In the winery, with the aim of preserving the parcel's finesse, a straightforward vinification process is employed. Initially, the grapes undergo direct pressing, after which the resulting must ferments with indigenous yeasts in barrels. Finally, the wine is aged on its lees for 9 months and bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with minimal added sulphites.
Bimbache Grand Cruz del Calvario is a wine that encapsulates the freshness and unique character of this enchanting island. An elegant and vibrant blend that reaffirms the potential of the Canary Islands, and more specifically El Hierro, as a benchmark on the international wine scene.