2023 Bimbache Blanco

Bimbache is the name of the former inhabitants of the small island of El Hierro, the westernmost and smallest of the Canary Islands. After its conquest by the Spanish in 1405, the local inhabitants, or Bimbaches, were sold as slaves a few years later. It is also, and above all, the name of one of the most inspiring wine projects of recent years in Spain. Rayco Fernández (also known from the "Puro Rofe" project in Lanzarote) is a local wine distributor in Gran Canaria with immense knowledge of the potential and future of the islands' vineyards. In El Hierro, there were not many hectares of vineyards left. Especially along the steep northern slope of the island, few winemakers are willing to take the plunge. Yields are often too low to justify the investment. Rayco took the plunge, and his wines have since become a household name. Bimbache wines are so different, so original, and above all, so Atlantic. The island is a treasure trove of nearly extinct or forgotten grape varieties that no longer exist anywhere, or at least not in the quality they do here. Luis Gutiérrez for Parker says: "El Hierro is a tiny island that is considered a repository of local grape varieties, as it has been frozen in time for a long time. In fact, everything is so slow there that visiting the island is akin to time travel. The risk is that many vineyards are being abandoned, as there is a lack of young people to take over. Thank God for projects like this! They have two hectares of vineyards and work a further three hectares from local growers, and in 2019 they produced a grand total of 5,000 bottles." The Bimbache Blanco is a blend of Baboso Blanco, Gual Blanco, Listan Blanco, Pedro Ximenez, and Verijadiego Blanco. These are typical (and unique) grapes from the northern slopes of El Hierro. The grapes are gently pressed from the whole bunches. Fermentation then takes place in stainless steel tanks and maturation in Stöckinger casks (boeders, stainless steel, and partially in older barriques), where the wine develops flor, giving it a delicious yet distinctive aroma. Only indigenous yeasts are used, and minimal sulfites are added at bottling. In the glass, the Bimbache Blanco has a beautiful, fresh, bright straw yellow color. On the nose, we initially encounter notes of citrus fruit with a touch of pineapple in the background. The fruit gradually evolves into a lovely spiciness of bay leaf and a touch of fennel. This is a wine with an Atlantic Sea injection, and therefore has a robust acidity that gives it backbone. The palate is firm, yet also retains the typical salty notes of limited flor aging. This is not a wine for beginners, but oh so beautiful and unique, with plenty of character. The Bimbache Blanco has a long finish with plenty of freshness. It is certainly a wine that, thanks to its robust backbone, will continue to refine in the bottle and has a drinking window until 2030 or longer. Decanting is recommended in its youth. FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. This is a free service for our customers. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers