Vines grapes from Axarquía are famous for their quality raisins, considered the best in Spain. But from quality raisins to quality wines is a big leap, a challenge that Clara Verheij and André Both embraced with passion and determination.

They set up Bodegas Bentomiz near the village of Sayalonga along the A-7206 on a stunning spot of the Axarquía hills in the province of Malaga, on slate ground, overlooking the Mediterranean.

Their own vines are 80-to-100-years old, but they acquire grapes from across the province, to supply their now diverse list of quality dry and sweet labels, sealed with their distinctive, elegant glass stopper.

Making a good, balanced, sweet, red wine that does not just taste like your grandmother’s plum jam is not easy. The elegance of Ariyanas David Tinto Dulce comes exactly from sheer hard work and precision of the fermentation and ageing processes to get this balance right.

The ripe Merlot grapes give lovely distinctive aroma of black-currant, also floral honey, and some strawberry. On the palette its velvety smooth, not too sweet, with fresh acidity and gentle refined tannins. Pronounced flavour of chocolate and dark fruits, with a very long finish.

The balance between sweetness, acidity and the tannins is almost perfect. A delightful wine. Serve at 8ºC as an aperitif, with baked Camembert, or with a dark-chocolate mousse.
90-92 Bruja points.

EUR 13 – 20 (375ml bottle). Online from La Alacena de Málaga: laalacenademalaga.com; taninowines.com, and bodeboca.com. Alternatively, visit the vina and pick it up there bodegasbentomiz.com

(Features/wine: Ariyanas David)