Wines Abona Mas d'en Gil - Bellmunt Negre - 2020

Mas d’en Gil’s Cuvée Bellmunt Negre 2020 from the Abona appellation in the Canary Islands offers a rather distinctive take on Canary Islands red wine. While precise varietal composition is unconfirmed, red wines from Abona are often crafted from native grapes such as Listán Negro, Negramoll, or Tempranillo, producing wines that balance aromatic finesse with Atlantic freshness. The 2020 vintage benefitted from the Canary Islands’ year-round mild climate, marked by cooling trade winds, which preserve lively acidity and encourage moderate ripening. Volcanic soils lend a mineral inflection and characteristic vibrancy, resulting in reds that often combine cherry and red currant fruit tones with subtle spice, gentle earthiness, and smoky undertones suggesting volcanic origin.

The Abona DO (Denominación de Origen) is tucked into the southwestern flank of Tenerife, sloping from near-sea levels up to some of the highest vineyards in Europe at over 1,000 metres altitude. Here, vines often grow in rough, mineral-laden volcanic soils, which not only influence the wine’s structure and aromatic complexity but also imbue a salty tang that’s unique to the region. Winemaking on the island boasts centuries-old traditions, with erything done to protect the site-specific character of each vineyard. The relatively youthful Mas d’en Gil estate brings a fresh perspective to these time-honoured methods.

For food pairings, the refined freshness and understated savouriness of Canary reds are particularly well-suited to grilled meats, herb-crusted pork, or lamb chops. The local cuisine’s appetite for seafood also allows for interesting pairings: consider tuna stew (atún en adobo) or grilled octopus with a light touch of paprika. Tapas such as papas arrugadas (Canary wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce also make excellent companions, as the wine’s acidity and light tannins cut through the richness of these regional favourites.

To enjoy the full aromatic spectrum and delicacy of Bellmunt Negre 2020, serve slightly chilled, ideally at 14-16°C. Decanting for half an hour prior to service can help reveal its complex, mineral-driven character. This wine will likely evolve gracefully for another few years in bottle.