Tacoronte Acentejo Wine Region

Tacoronte-Acentejo has a breathtaking landscape, with deep, narrow valleys plunging from the heights of terraced hills. This region produces some of the best wines in Tenerife. Tacoronte Acentejo, a well-known sub-region, produces a variety of wines that are well-known and influential over the world. We hope you will try these exceptional wines while you travel across the Canary Islands wine region.

The sun, the breeze, and the volcanic land by the sea in a diverse, pleasant, and stable climate are natural and distinct elements that combine to create Tacoronte-Acentejo wines with an incredible personality.

We invite you to dive into the distinctive wines that make Tacoronte-Acentejo a favourite for wine drinkers worldwide. Browse our site to discover what Wineries in Tacoronte-Acentejo have to offer and plan your wine adventure today. Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Tacoronte-Acentejo.

Where is the Tacoronte-Acentejo Wine Region?

The Tacoronte-Acentejo wine area is located on the northern slope of the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), has a longitudinal length of 23 kilometres.

Unique Terroir of Tacoronte-Acentejo Appellation

Tacoronte-Acentejo vineyards are placed in terraces on the northern and western slopes of the Tenerife volcanic ridge and extend back to the narrower sections of the island's eastern part. The region is named for two valley villages, though La Laguna is the primary urban center. The vines are cultivated on rich lands with low carbonate content and deep volcanic bowels. These are highly loose soils that are high in minerals but low in lime, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The vineyards range in height from 100 to 1000 meters, allowing for the growth of several grape kinds.

The climate of Tacoronte-Acentejo is moderate and pleasant, with a high thermal pattern: daily changes are almost non-existent, and annual swings are rarely greater than 7 °C. Despite the cloud cover and high humidity (60 percent), the warm air temperature prevents moisture condensation.

History of D.O Tacoronte Acentejo

Extensive vineyards have existed on the Canary Islands since time immemorial, and there is a long list of indigenous grape types that have never been phylloxera-free. Sweet dessert wines were previously well renowned, and were supplied to La Laguna, the former capital of the island of Tenerife.

Tacoronte-Acentejo gets its name from the town of Tacoronte and the Acentejo region that it contains. Tacoronte-Acentejo was granted DO classification in 1992, making it the Canary Islands' oldest.

Tacoronte-Acentejo is regarded as the unofficial trendsetter of the Canary Islands, owing to its innovative approach to quality winemaking and emphasis on exports. The classification includes the capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as the archipelago's most important port, which serves as a major facility for shipping wine outside. Tacoronte-Acentejo is the most extensively planted region in terms of viticulture, accounting for 20% of Canary Islands production.

What is Tacoronte-Acentejo Wine?

• Red varieties:

Listán Negro, Negramoll, Tintilla, Malvasía Rosada, Castellana Negra, Moscatel Negro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, Tempranilo, Bastardo Tinto, Listán Prieto, Vijariego Negro.

• White varieties:

Gual, Malvasía Volcánica, Malvasía Aromática, Doradilla, Bermejuela, Verdello, Moscatel de Alejandría, Vijariego, Forastera Blaca, Albillo, Sabro, Listán Blanca, Pedro Ximénez, Torrontés, Bastardo Blanco, Breval, Burrablanca.

The grapes used to make Tacoronte-Acentejo DO wines are grown in the scenic landscapes of northern Tenerife near the shore, where the presence of the Atlantic Ocean has a great effect. Because of the terrain's complexity, grapes are planted on terraces at varying heights, reaching up to 1000 meters above sea level. Tacoronte-Acentejo wines have an excellent reputation due to their fresh and light red wines. They feature balanced fruit and floral aromas, which are complemented by a complex of taste impressions when aged in oak barrels. Although red wines make for 80 percent of output in the region, white and rosé wines are not inferior in flavor. Tacoronte-Acentejo wines are vibrant in color, with cherry and pomegranate undertones. These wines have a pure, balanced flavor with fruity aromas.

White wines have a faint balsamic aroma and a long finish, whilst rosé wines are bubbly and have a more noticeable sweet and sour flavor. Tacoronte-Acentejo, made from overripe grapes, has a particularly rich, naturally sweet flavor.

The wineries introducing innovative developments in Tacoronte Aсentejo have become an example for wine producers on other islands of this region.

Coal maceration technology is used for some of them, but only red wines undergo complete malolactic fermentation.

Some Tenerife red wines are fermented in oak barrels, others are aged in American oak barrels and sometimes in chestnut barrels, which makes aged wines very promising.

On a Tacoronte-Acentejo wine tour, you can explore a wide variety of wines of Tenerife region!

Food to Pair with Tacoronte-Acentejo Wine

Almogrote 

Almogrote is a Canary Island sauce made of over-cured hard cheese, garlic, olive oil, and peppers. It's usually made with a wooden mortar and pestle, although it can also be done in a blender. Almogrote is typically spread on toasted bread or used as a sauce once it has been cooked. It's ideal with a glass of local wine.

Conejo en salmorejo

Conejo en salmorejo is a typical Spanish dish originated from the Canary Islands. The recipe calls for marinated, sautéed, and cooked rabbit meat. For the salmorejo sauce, rabbit liver is typically combined with garlic, olive oil, red bell peppers, white wine, red wine vinegar, and spices such as paprika, cumin, and thyme.

The meat is cooked in the sauce until soft, and both are then presented in the same plate while still boiling hot. For the greatest dining experience, serve roasted potatoes on the side.

Sancocho canario

Sancocho Canario is a Canary Islands-inspired classic Spanish dish. It's typically cooked with salted fish like Cherne, stoker, or sea bass, as well as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and olive oil. When the potatoes and sweet potatoes are almost done, the desalted fish, chopped into pieces, is put into the saucepan and cooked for a few minutes. The fish is typically served with potatoes and sweet potatoes, as well as a spritz of Canarian mojo Rojo sauce and slices of gofio. Sancocho Canario can be served with chopped parsley if desired.

Places to Visit in Tacoronte-Acentejo

Hamilton Gardens, Immerse Yourself in Incredible Island Flora 

Tenerife Island's parks and gardens are great for peaceful gatherings or spending time with the entire family, as well as giving shade from the blazing heat in the summer.

In the town of Tacoronte, you may find the distinctive gardens of Hamilton. Rare kinds of laurel trees, Faia waxwort, and Erica arborea are examples of Canarian flora. The garden also features a distinct area dedicated to grapes, where you can observe the many types, as well as the Canary Islands' infrastructure networks. The park, which opened in 2003 on the brink of a ravine, is suitable for outdoor activity. Furthermore, using the interpretation panels situated around the garden, you may obtain thorough information about numerous plant varieties.

Mesa del Mar's Natural Pools

This location is great for sunbathing and swimming in the saltwater pools. These natural pools on the shore of Tacoronte are particularly popular with the municipality's population, especially during the summer months. There are two swimming pools in this tourist region, one of which is open all year and the other only during the summer. It's simple to get here and park your car, but be aware since this route is steep and includes severe bends.

Monte del Agua Route, Hiking Trails With Incredible Views

This fascinating hiking route, passing through the municipalities of El Tanque, Los Silos and Buenavista del Norte, in the northern part of the island of Tenerife, consists almost entirely of a forest trail connecting the rural areas of Erhos and Las Portelas. The trail crosses Monte del Agua and Pasos - a spacious Monteverde forest with laurel trees and milkweed shrubs. During the route, travelers can meet endemic birds of the Canary Islands – laurel and Canary pigeons. You will also get acquainted with the traditional architecture represented by houses with stone walls and tiled roofs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tacoronte-Acentejo