2022 Envinate Palo Blanco Red Wine – Wine Advocate 98 Points

Envinate Palo Blanco White Wine 2022: A Distinctive Canary Islands Listán Blanco

Discover the brilliance of Envinate’s Palo Blanco White Wine from Tenerife’s volcanic soils—a standout example of Spain’s Canary Islands viticulture. Crafted exclusively from century-old Listán Blanco vines grown in Los Realejos at an elevation of 600 meters, this wine captures the essence of its terroir with precision and elegance.

Origin & Sourcing
Hailing from a meticulously tended 1.5-hectare vineyard in Tenerife’s Palo Blanco zone, these ancient cordon trenzado (braided cordon) vines thrive in cool high-altitude conditions that preserve vibrant acidity and mineral complexity. Hand-harvested grapes are gently pressed full cluster into large concrete tanks—a method that honors tradition while ensuring purity of fruit—and fermented using wild yeasts without temperature control for authenticity.

Craftsmanship & Aging
The wine’s character deepens through a thoughtful aging process: two-thirds mature in Friulian-made oval foudres (2,500 liters) and one-third in neutral oak barrels with lees contact for ten months. This approach balances bright citrus notes with subtle smoky undertones and flint-like minerality—a hallmark of Envinate’s minimalist philosophy—while avoiding malolactic fermentation retains its crisp freshness.

Tasting Experience
A sip reveals a striking contrast of bright tropical fruit and saline minerality, framed by zesty acidity that lingers effortlessly on the palate. Its aromatic profile hints at flinty spice and wild herbs, making it an ideal match for grilled seafood or aged cheeses. With only limited bottles produced annually since its debut in 2016—and expanded vineyard plots now enhancing both volume and quality—this wine stands out as a rare find among Canary Islands whites.

Why Choose Palo Blanco?
Rated 98 points by Wine Advocate, this bottling showcases Envinate’s commitment to excellence through organic viticulture and hands-off winemaking techniques like unfiltered bottling. Unlike many New World whites prioritizing bold oak flavors or heavy extraction methods, Palo Blanco leans into its unique island heritage—offering crispness paired with depth—while its low alcohol content (11.5%) ensures refreshing drinkability now or years down the line.

Availability may vary by retailer; vintage may differ from image.