Islas Canarias

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Many vineyards are situated in high-altitude areas with steep slopes, and plantings are dry-farmed with very wide spacing in numerous districts.
• Some vineyard plantings are over eighty years old, which constitutes one of the yield-limiting factors documented in the zone.
• The zone displays a high degree of thermal regularity, with no frost risk and little variation between winter and summer temperatures, together with northerly winds known as the Trade Winds (Alisios).
• The Trade Winds, together with the topography and soils, generate an enormous variety of microclimates that produce strong contrasts perceptible within as little as 100 metres.

• Wine spirit has traditionally been used in the production of liqueur wines, since certain varieties do not reach optimal ripeness for naturally sweet wines owing to the great number of microclimates.
• The vine-training system used in cultivation promotes uniform sun exposure and even temperatures throughout the plant, which is employed in the production of wines from over-ripened grapes.

• The white wines show good aromatic intensity with notes of white and tropical fruits, floral characters, and balsamic nuances, and are balanced, fresh, and persistent on the palate.
• The red wines display good aromatic intensity with notes of black fruit (blackberries), vegetal and mineral characters, and hints of black pepper, showing structure and a fine balance of nuances, while the rosés show clean aromas of red fruit (strawberries, raspberries) and floral tones.

• The volcanic soils of the Islands impart mineral components to the adapted varieties, giving the wines their characteristic volcanic-mineral flavours.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the specification (pliego de condiciones).

All appellations in Spain

Sources

• Specification (EUR-Lex, single document)
• National pliego de condiciones (PDF)
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-ES-A1511
• Official trade body site — DOP Islas Canarias