Wines Lanzarote Puro Rofe - Juan Bello - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The Puro Rofe Cuvée Juan Bello 2020 is a distinctive white wine hailing from the sun-drenched island of Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands of Spain. Crafted primarily from indigenous varieties such as Malvasía Volcánica and, depending on the vintage, possibly complemented by small portions of other native grapes, this cuvée promises a real taste of its unique environment. The 2020 vintage offers exceptional purity and freshness, the result of careful hand harvesting and low-intervention winemaking. Fermentation typically takes place in neutral vessels, allowing the wine's saline minerality and expressive aromatics to come to the fore without the influence of oak.

Lanzarote, under the Lanzarote DO designation, is one of the most extraordinary wine regions in the world. Volcanic eruptions in the 18th century created a stark, black landscape of lapilli, the porous volcanic ash that covers the island. Vines are laboriously planted in individual hollows called hoyos, protected from incessant Atlantic winds by semicircular stone walls. This remarkable terroir, coupled with the island’s subtropical climate and broad diurnal temperature range, imparts exceptional character to the wines—remarkable freshness, pronounced minerality, and a subtle, sea-breeze salinity. The region’s history stretches back several centuries, with a deep devotion to traditional, manual viticulture.

This vibrant, mineral-driven white wine pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, particularly those featuring fresh seafood, which mirrors Lanzarote's own coastal cuisine. Think grilled or simply dressed octopus, seared scallops, or a traditional Canarian fish stew (sancocho canario) with papas arrugadas and mojo verde. It also complements light, citrusy salads and goats’ cheese, another staple of the region.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Puro Rofe Cuvée Juan Bello 2020 chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C. A modest decant of fifteen minutes will help express the wine’s aromatic complexity. Enjoy it young to savour its freshness and verve, but it can reward a short stay in your cellar as well.