History and Importance of Wine in Gran Canaria
Even if here in Germany red and white wines from France and Italy have a greater importance, wine in Gran Canaria plays a major role and is a true specialty. The island has a long wine tradition, which was forgotten for a long time, but in recent years has experienced an extreme upswing. The constant climatic conditions at any time of the year make Gran Canaria a paradise not only for tourism but also for wine growing. Gran Canaria celebrated its first international success as early as the 16th century with its Malvasía wine. This was particularly famous at European royal courts and was even praised by William Shakespeare. Since 2006, Gran Canaria has been working more intensively on the marketing of its wine. This is very versatile and owes its special character to a mixture of varietal wines, the volcanic soil, which provides a mineral flavor, and the special growing conditions.
The most famous ones are Malvasía, Vijariego, Verijadiego, Listán, and Negramoll.
Cultivation
The constant and year-round mild climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine, and the cool, humid northeast trade winds are ideal for growing grapes. They get the perfect sweetness from the sun, while the volcanic soil ensures that the plants have sufficient minerals available to them.
Another peculiarity lies in the grape varieties. Since the Canary Islands are the only area that has been spared from phylloxera, a rootless cultivation can be practiced without the grafting of rootstock vines. In this way, the plants can be optimally nourished by the soil, which gives the grapes their unique characteristics.
In Gran Canaria there are a total of 52 growing areas with associated bodegas. These are distributed throughout the island and are rather small in comparison, which is why the island’s winemakers focus on craftsmanship instead of mass productions. The size of the growing areas is strongly due to the location on volcanic steep slopes, as these make the use of machinery almost impossible.
Depending on the location of the vineyard and resulting microclimates, different wine can be obtained from the same grape variety.
Grape varieties
Because the island has been spared from phylloxera, which has greatly affected international viticulture, it can now boast an enormous variety of grapes. About 135 different grape varieties have been genetically identified.
A special one of them is the Malvasía volcánica, as well as Baboso, or Vijariego. Listán Negro, Negramoll, Tintilla and Malvasía Rosado are also popular.
Red Wine
In Gran Canaria, more red wine is produced than white. Popular grape varieties are Listán Negro, Negramoll, Tintilla and Malvasía Rosado.
A typical red wine is the Caldera Tinto del Monte. It is made from traditional grape varieties, which are slightly crushed cold macerated and then fermented at controlled temperatures. The wine is then aged in stainless steel tanks for 4 to 6 months before it can be enjoyed. It scores with medium intensity, cherry red color and an aroma of wild berries, with a mineral and balsamic note.
Another famous red wine is the Tintilla. This is made from a grape variety that originated in France. The wine is characterized by its cherry red color and little sour taste. Therefore, it goes well with meat dishes.
Tinto Joven is a fresh, fruity and sweet wine, which is also typical of Gran Canaria. As the name Joven (young) suggests, the wine has not been aged for long. Its color is cherry red and its smell reminds of plums and dried fruits. It is slightly acidic and is best served with cheese or white meats such as chicken.
The famous Tinto Barrica is made from a selection of red grape varieties of the Canary Islands, such as Listan Negro, Vijariego Negro, Castellana Negra and Tintilla. The aging in oak barrels gives it a lot of structure. The red wine is fruity and spicy with mineral aromas. It is characterized by an intense garnet red color.
In 2016, the wine Lava was awarded the fifth best wine of Spain. It is grown on volcanic slopes and has a slightly ashy smell. It is exceptionally fresh without acidity and stands out for its special character. It is particularly suitable as a table wine and should not be missing from any visit to Gran Canaria.
White Wine
In addition to the well-known red wines, Gran Canaria also produces some white wines. These include Blanco Seco, a dry white wine made mainly from grapes of the Verdello, Albillo, Marmajuelo, Malvasía and Listan Blanco varieties.
In addition, there is Malvasía Seco, a dry white wine with intense greenish-yellow color and fruity aroma. The semi-sweet variant is called Malvasía Semidulce.
Another specialty is the Malvasía Volcánica. This is a specially made wine that is fermented in French oak barrels.
Bodegas
Among the many activities you can do in Gran Canaria, you can not miss a wine tasting. These are offered at many wineries on the island. These so-called bodegas, mostly small businesses, still sell their wines themselves, which is why they can be a bit pricey. The southernmost bodega of Gran Canaria is located in Fataga, the northernmost in the valley of Agaete. Below we have compiled a small selection for you.
Bodega Hoyos de Bandama
This winery is located in Santa Brígida, in the northeast of the island. Here they offer mainly tastings of red wines, such as Caldera Tinto Barrica (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) and Caldera Tinto Coleccion (Cervim ORO Award – ITALY). But there are also dry white wines, semi-sweet white wines and rosé wines to taste.
Bodega las Tirijanas
Bodega las Tirijanas is the most famous in Gran Canaria and is located in San Bartolomé de Tirijana, Tuente. This family winery has 11 varieties of wine on offer, with the most varied characteristics, depending on the growing conditions. They have already received several national and international awards, so a visit to this bodega is definitely worthwhile.
Admission is free and the bodega is open all year round.
Bodega Los Berrazales
This winery is more than 200 years old and is located in Finca de La Laja in Tamadaba. It produces different varieties of red wine, semi-dry and dry white wine, which are already awarded with national awards. You can participate in guided tours of the winery, where the entire winemaking process is explained from plant to cup. Also included is a product tasting.
Bodegas Tunte
One of the most important wineries for the production of specialty wines of the island is Bodega Tunte, opened in 1998. The vineyards cover an area of 35,000 m² and the winemakers focus on four grape varieties: Malvasia volcanica, Verdello, Albillo and Muscat of Alexandria.
If you are a wine lover, you should not miss the chance to taste a glass of the increasingly popular Canary wine directly from the winemaker. Why not take a trip to the bodegas or the wine routes of the island, situated close to our most beautiful properties.
