Lanzarote

A Lunar-Like Terroir

Famous for its lunar-like landscapes and the product of repeated volcanic eruptions, Lanzarote is the easternmost island of the Canary archipelago and the closest to Africa. On its dark soils, covered by volcanic ash, some of the most curious viticultural practices on the planet are carried out, resulting in truly unique wines.

Soil

The soils of Lanzarote are covered by lapilli or picón – volcanic ash – that has covered the surface of the island since the…

Climate

Subtropical, Mediterranean and semi-arid with a large diurnal range. Rainfall is typically 150mm per year and mostly…

Grape Varieties

Malvasía Volcánica is the most commonly planted white grape on Lanzarote, producing an array of wine styles including dry…

Viticulture

The unique challenge of viticulture in Lanzarote is due to the thickness of the Lapilli layer on the vineyard soils…

Soil

The soils of Lanzarote are covered by lapilli or picón – volcanic ash – that has covered the surface of the island since the eruption of Timanfaya in 1706. In the north of the island this layer reaches 30 cm deep and up to 2 metres in the more central regions. Under the picón are layers of clay and sand.

Climate

Subtropical, Mediterranean and semi-arid with a large diurnal range. Rainfall is typically 150mm per year and mostly concentrated in autumn while the harvest itself is dry and hot. As there are no natural barriers between the island and the ocean, cloud cover is common, which adds to the general level of humidity.

Grape Varieties

Malvasía Volcánica is the most commonly planted white grape on Lanzarote, producing an array of wine styles including dry, off-dry, sweet, sparkling, aged wines and even liqueurs. Other planted grape varieties include: Listán Blanco, Moscatel, Diego, Burra Blanca, Breval, Pedro Ximénez, Listán Negra and Negramoll. Red and rosé wines are also produced.

Viticulture

The unique challenge of viticulture in Lanzarote is due to the thickness of the Lapilli layer on the vineyard soils, since winegrowers must dig until they find a topsoil where it´s possible to plant. Semi-circular walls are then built around these trenches to protect the vines from the strong winds.

Main Grape Varieties in Lanzarote

MALVASIA VOLCANICA

A natural cross between Malvasía Aromática and Marmajuelo, mostly cultivated on the volcanic slopes of Lanzarote where it´s planted on fertile clay soils covered with volcanic lapilla. Malvasía Volcánica is a notably fruity wine, with touches of minerality on the palate.

LISTÁN NEGRO

Commonly confused with Listán Prieto, studies show that Listán Negro is actually a natural crossing of Mollar Cano and Palomino Fino. The most planted red variety in the Canary Islands, Listán Negro has a natural affinity with the soils and micro-climates of Tenerife, where it produces strong yields of ripe grapes on its volcanic soils.

LISTÁN BLANCO

The most widely planted grape variety in the Canary Islands, Listan Blanco is originally from Jerez de la Frontera, where it’s known as Palomino Fino. It thrives in the Canary Islands, where it’s able to adapt to different altitudes and micro-climates whilst still producing consistent yields, partly due to its natural resistance to disease.