Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an Atlantic archipelago of eight volcanic islands. Trade winds meet the mountains to form a sea of clouds that moderates temperatures, slows ripening and preserves acidity. Many vineyards remain ungrafted because the islands largely escaped phylloxera. In Lanzarote's La Geria, growers dig individual pits through volcanic ash to reach fertile soil, then build stone windbreaks around the vines. More than 35 native grape varieties are recognised. Listán Negro is the most widely planted red and can make red-fruited, peppery wines with moderate tannins, from fresh styles to structured wines with ageing potential. Listán Blanco is often more acidic and more aromatic than mainland Palomino Fino. Reds range from light to structured, while whites can gain texture and complexity through time on lees, the spent yeast cells left after fermentation, or oak ageing.