Listan Negro 3 Items

A dark-skinned variety, Listán Negro is the signature red grape of the volcanic Canary Islands and is not significantly grown elsewhere. It is vinified in several styles, from delicate, food-friendly rosés to light and fruity reds made by carbonic maceration (the technique used to make Beaujolais Nouveau), to traditionally-vinified reds aged in oak. Listán Negro can be blended or made into single varietal wines, which mostly come from the Tacoronte-Acentejo DO covering the island of Tenerife.

Tasting Notes for Listán Negro

Listán Negro is a dry red wine with and medium to light body and low tannins. In its carbonic-maceration versions, the grape shows a fruity, quaffable style with flavors and aromas of strawberry, banana and delicate spice. Made traditionally, Listán Negro shows characteristics of bitter cherry, black plum, black pepper, briar and smoked meat.

Food Pairings for Listán Negro

Carbonically-macerated, Listán Negro pairs well with tuna carpaccio and charcuterie. Traditionally vinified versions make for terrific pairings with roasted chicken, savory cheeses or grilled tuna.

Sommelier Secrets for Listán Negro

The Canary Islands are the southernmost Northern Hemisphere wine region. In their dry climate the vines are coiled in small craters in the volcanic soil which shelter them from the strong, sun-baked winds.