Canary Islands

The Canary Islands (Las Canarias) is a volcanic archipelago located off the coast of southern Morocco.  Due to its natural isolation from mainland Spain, vines were not afflicted with phylloxera, and can be hundreds of years old.

With dramatic mountainous terrains, high altitudes, and exposure to devastating winds, vineyards are managed in a variety of traditional and ingenious ways.

To help retain moisture and protect against the volatile winds, winemakers have built low protective walls around the vines, and some vines are planted in shallow holes in the black, volcanic soil (hoyos).  Other methods include cordon trenzado, where vines stay connected to the mother trunk by reaching out several feet in long braids of wood.

The six islands that produce wine are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera. 

In addition to some international grapes, most winemakers work with indigenous varietals such as Listán Negro, Negramoll, Tintilla and Baboso Negro for reds.   Listán Blanco, Malvasía Aromática, Malvásia Volcánia, Albillo Criollo, Vijariego, Moscatel, and Marmajuelo for whites.

Extreme island wines from ungrafted vines expressing volcanic minerality and wild, tropical personality.