The Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa, boast a rich viticultural heritage that dates back centuries. With its unique terroir, indigenous grape varieties, and distinctive winemaking techniques, the Canarian Wine Route offers oenophiles an unparalleled journey through some of the world’s most remarkable wine regions. From the black sand vineyards of Lanzarote to the steep slopes of La Palma, each island presents its own viticultural marvels, inviting wine enthusiasts to explore a tapestry of flavours shaped by volcanic soils and Atlantic breezes.
Canarian terroir: volcanic soils and microclimates
The Canary Islands’ exceptional terroir is primarily defined by its volcanic origins. The archipelago’s soils are rich in minerals and organic matter, providing a unique foundation for vine cultivation. This volcanic composition imparts distinct mineral notes to the wines, creating a signature taste profile that sets Canarian wines apart from their mainland counterparts.
The islands’ microclimates play a crucial role in shaping the character of their wines. Despite their subtropical latitude, the Canaries benefit from the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the trade winds. This temperate climate, combined with varying altitudes and exposures across the islands, creates diverse growing conditions that allow for a wide range of grape varieties to thrive.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Canarian viticulture is the practice of hoyos in Lanzarote. These circular depressions dug into the volcanic ash protect vines from the harsh winds and capture moisture, enabling grape cultivation in an otherwise inhospitable environment. This ingenious method not only allows for wine production but also creates a stunning landscape that has become iconic of Lanzarote’s wine country.
Indigenous grape varieties of the canary islands
The Canary Islands are home to a treasure trove of indigenous grape varieties, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. These unique cultivars have adapted to the islands’ volcanic soils and maritime climate over centuries, producing wines with distinctive flavour profiles that reflect their terroir.
Listán negro: the signature red grape of tenerife
Listán Negro is the most widely planted red grape variety in the Canary Islands, particularly prevalent in Tenerife. This versatile grape produces light to medium-bodied red wines with vibrant acidity, red fruit flavours, and a characteristic peppery note. Listán Negro wines often exhibit a mineral quality that is emblematic of the islands’ volcanic soils.
Malvasía volcánica: lanzarote’s prized white variety
Malvasía Volcánica, also known as Malvasía de Lanzarote, is a white grape variety that thrives in the unique growing conditions of Lanzarote. These grapes produce aromatic white wines with high acidity, floral notes, and a distinctive saline character imparted by the island’s proximity to the ocean. Malvasía Volcánica wines are celebrated for their complexity and ability to express the island’s terroir.
Negramoll: ancient variety thriving in la palma
Negramoll is an ancient red grape variety that has found a particular affinity with the terroir of La Palma. This grape produces elegant, medium-bodied red wines with soft tannins, red fruit flavours, and a subtle earthy character. Negramoll wines are known for their freshness and ability to age gracefully.
Vijariego negro: rediscovering gran canaria’s hidden gem
Vijariego Negro is a red grape variety that has recently gained attention in Gran Canaria. This rediscovered variety produces full-bodied red wines with intense colour, firm tannins, and complex flavours of dark fruits and spices. Vijariego Negro wines are increasingly sought after for their depth and ageing potential.
Denominaciones de origen (DO) of canarian wines
The Canary Islands boast several Denominaciones de Origen (DO), each representing a distinct wine-producing region with its own unique characteristics and regulations. These DOs play a crucial role in preserving the quality and authenticity of Canarian wines.
DO Tacoronte-Acentejo: tenerife’s oldest wine region
DO Tacoronte-Acentejo, established in 1992, is the oldest wine appellation in the Canary Islands. Located in the northern part of Tenerife, this region is known for its red wines made primarily from Listán Negro. The area’s steep slopes and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean create a unique microclimate that imparts a distinctive character to its wines.
DO lanzarote: unique viticulture in la geria
DO Lanzarote, established in 1993, covers the wine production on the island of Lanzarote. This appellation is renowned for its unique viticultural practices, particularly in the La Geria region, where vines are planted in individual hollows ( hoyos ) in the volcanic ash. The primary grape variety here is Malvasía Volcánica, producing distinctive white wines with mineral and saline notes.
DO la palma: fuencaliente’s steep slope vineyards
DO La Palma, established in 1994, encompasses the wine production on the island of La Palma. The region of Fuencaliente, in particular, is known for its steep slope vineyards that cascade down towards the Atlantic. This DO is notable for its production of both red and white wines, with Negramoll and Listán Blanco being prominent varieties.
DO valle de güímar: tenerife’s eastern wine haven
DO Valle de Güímar, established in 1996, is located on the eastern side of Tenerife. This region is known for its white wines, particularly those made from Listán Blanco. The volcanic soils and the influence of trade winds create ideal conditions for producing fresh, aromatic whites with a distinct mineral character.
Canarian wine tasting techniques and flavour profiles
Tasting Canarian wines requires an appreciation for their unique characteristics imparted by the volcanic terroir and indigenous grape varieties. When approaching a Canarian wine tasting, consider the following techniques and flavour profiles:
- Observe the wine’s colour and clarity, noting the intensity and hues that can provide clues about the grape variety and winemaking process.
- Swirl the wine gently to release its aromas, paying attention to the bouquet of volcanic minerals, Atlantic salinity, and varietal-specific notes.
- Take a small sip and let it coat your palate, noting the wine’s body, acidity, tannins (for reds), and flavour intensity.
- Look for characteristic flavours such as citrus and tropical fruits in whites, red berries and spices in reds, and an underlying mineral quality in both.
Canarian white wines, particularly those made from Malvasía Volcánica, often exhibit floral aromas, citrus notes, and a distinctive saline character. Red wines, especially those crafted from Listán Negro, typically showcase red fruit flavours, peppery notes, and a mineral undertone that reflects the volcanic soils.
The key to appreciating Canarian wines lies in understanding their unique terroir and embracing the distinctive flavour profiles that set them apart from mainland Spanish wines.
Vineyard tours: from bodega stratvs to el grifo
Exploring the Canarian Wine Route through vineyard tours offers an immersive experience into the islands’ viticultural heritage. From modern wineries to centuries-old bodegas, each stop on the route provides unique insights into Canarian winemaking traditions and innovations.
Bodega stratvs: modern winemaking in lanzarote
Bodega Stratvs, located in the heart of La Geria, Lanzarote, represents the cutting edge of modern winemaking in the Canary Islands. This state-of-the-art winery combines traditional viticultural practices with contemporary winemaking techniques to produce exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of Lanzarote.
Visitors to Bodega Stratvs can explore the striking modern architecture that seamlessly integrates with the lunar-like landscape of La Geria. The winery offers guided tours that take you through the vineyards, explaining the unique hoyos cultivation method, and into the production facilities where you can witness the winemaking process firsthand.
El grifo: exploring canary’s oldest winery
El Grifo, established in 1775, holds the distinction of being the oldest winery in the Canary Islands and one of the ten oldest in Spain. Located in Lanzarote, this historic bodega offers a journey through time, showcasing centuries of winemaking tradition alongside modern innovations.
A visit to El Grifo includes a tour of their fascinating wine museum, which houses an extensive collection of antique winemaking equipment and historical documents. The winery’s expansive vineyards, cultivated using traditional methods, provide a stunning backdrop for tastings of their renowned Malvasía and Moscatel wines.
Bodega monje: traditional methods in tenerife
Bodega Monje, situated in the DO Tacoronte-Acentejo region of Tenerife, offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Canarian winemaking methods. This family-owned winery, dating back to 1750, specialises in red wines made primarily from Listán Negro grapes.
Tours of Bodega Monje take you through their historic cellars, where you can learn about the traditional winemaking processes that have been passed down through generations. The winery’s panoramic views of Mount Teide and the Atlantic Ocean provide a stunning setting for wine tastings and gastronomic experiences that pair local cuisine with their artisanal wines.
Bodega tajinaste: orotava valley’s viticultural heritage
Bodega Tajinaste, located in the picturesque Orotava Valley of Tenerife, represents the rich viticultural heritage of this renowned wine-growing region. The winery takes its name from the iconic Tajinaste flower, endemic to the Canary Islands, symbolising the deep connection between the land and its wines.
Visitors to Bodega Tajinaste can explore the traditional cordón trenzado training system, a unique method of vine cultivation that has been practiced in the Orotava Valley for centuries. The winery offers tours that showcase their commitment to preserving local grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques while embracing modern oenological practices to produce high-quality wines.
Pairing canarian wines with local cuisine
The unique flavour profiles of Canarian wines make them excellent companions to the archipelago’s diverse culinary traditions. When pairing Canarian wines with local cuisine, consider the following suggestions:
- Pair crisp Malvasía Volcánica whites with fresh seafood dishes, such as vieja sancochada (parrotfish stew) or grilled octopus.
- Match light-bodied Listán Negro reds with traditional Canarian papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) served with spicy mojo sauces.
- Complement fuller-bodied Vijariego Negro wines with hearty meat dishes like carne fiesta (marinated pork) or grilled goat cheese.
- Enjoy sweet Moscatel wines with local desserts such as bienmesabe (almond cream) or quesadillas herreñas (cheese pastries from El Hierro).
The volcanic minerality present in many Canarian wines pairs exceptionally well with the islands’ seafood-centric cuisine. The bright acidity of the white wines, in particular, complements the freshness of locally caught fish and shellfish, while the lighter red wines harmonise beautifully with the archipelago’s unique meat dishes and vegetable preparations.
Experimenting with different wine and food pairings is an essential part of the Canarian wine experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the synergy between the islands’ viticultural and culinary heritage.
As you explore the Canarian Wine Route, take the time to savour not only the wines but also the rich tapestry of flavours that make up the islands’ gastronomic landscape. From seaside chiringuitos serving the catch of the day to traditional guachinches offering homestyle Canarian fare, each culinary experience presents an opportunity to discover new and exciting wine pairings.
The Canarian Wine Route offers a captivating journey through one of the world’s most unique wine regions. From the volcanic soils that impart distinctive mineral notes to the indigenous grape varieties that have adapted to the islands’ diverse microclimates, every aspect of Canarian viticulture tells a story of resilience, innovation, and deep-rooted tradition. As you traverse the vineyards, from the modern facilities of Bodega Stratvs to the historic cellars of El Grifo, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and passion that goes into every bottle of Canarian wine.