Spain Canary Islands Flashcards
Where are the Canary Islands located?
100 km west of Morocco, closer to Africa than mainland Spain
What type of climate do the Canary Islands have?
Subtropical with mild seasonal variations
How does elevation affect the climate in the Canary Islands?
Elevation (up to 1,600 m) tempers tropical heat
What type of soil predominates in the Canary Islands?
Predominantly volcanic and highly fertile
When was viticulture introduced to the Canary Islands?
In the 15th century after the Castilian conquest
What is the significance of the Canary Islands during the triangular trade routes?
Renowned for Canary Sack (fortified Malvasía wines)
What unique feature do the Canary Islands have regarding phylloxera?
Remains phylloxera-free, preserving ancient, ungrafted vines
What is Listán Blanco (Palomino) known for?
Produces semi-aromatic, medium-bodied wines with savory, nutty flavors
What are the characteristics of Malvasía Volcánica?
Unique to Lanzarote, earthy and less floral
What is the primary grape variety used in Tenerife for red wines?
Listán Negro
What does the term ‘trenzado’ refer to in Canary Islands viticulture?
Braided vine training system
What is the oldest Denominación de Origen (DO) in Tenerife?
Tacoronte-Acentejo (established in 1992)
What is unique about the viticulture in Lanzarote?
Black volcanic soils from 1730s eruptions
Which grape variety is primarily used in La Palma for sweet wines?
Malvasía Volcánica
What type of wine is Vino de Tea?
Rancio-style aged in Canary pine barrels
What is the main grape variety grown in El Hierro?
Listán Blanco
What is the climate like in Gran Canaria?
North cooler and suited for viticulture; south hotter with lower yields
Which grape variety is required for traditional whites in La Gomera?
Forastera Blanca (minimum 90%)
Name a notable producer from Tenerife.
Envínate
What is a unique characteristic of the viticulture in the Canary Islands?
Phylloxera-Free
Fill in the blank: The minimum alcohol level for whites and sparkling wines in the Canary Islands is _____
9%
True or False: The aging requirements for wines in the Canary Islands are governed by traditional Spanish terms.
True
What is the specialty of Los Bermejos in Lanzarote?
Specializes in Malvasía, including sparkling and fortified styles
What is the maximum yield for whites in the Canary Islands?
Typically 10–15 tons/ha
What does Vino Dulce Clásico refer to?
Made from sun-dried Malvasía or Moscatel, often fortified
