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Spanish Wine Scholar > The Islands: Las Islas Canarias > Flashcards

The Islands: Las Islas Canarias Flashcards

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1
Q

What is Malmsey?

A

This is a sweet, white, unfortified wine produced from Malvasia Aromatica produced early on in the Canary Islands. It became very popular in England, France, the Netherlands, & in Spanish colonies overseas.
The term represented the anglicized term for Malvasia.

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2
Q

Where is Las Islas Canarias located?

A

This archipelago is in the Atlantic Ocean ~62mi/100km off the coast of southern Morocco & 621mi/1,000km from mainland Spain.
This is Spain’s 5th smallest autonomous community & 3rd most densely populated.

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3
Q

Name the islands of Las Islas Canarias & the provinces they belong to.

A

There are 2 provinces & 7 primary islands.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
* Tenerife
* La Palma
* La Gomera
* El Hierro

Las Palmas:
* Gran Canaria
* Lanzarote
* Fuerteventura
* plus some smaller islands & islets

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4
Q

What is the capital of Las Islas Canarias?

A

There are 2 capitals representing the namesake of each province:
1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife: home to over 9% of Spanish population
2. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: almost 18% of population

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5
Q

What is the climate in Las Islas Canarias?

A

Subtropical
* 28° Latitude
* low diurnal/seasonal temperature variations
* affected year-round by cool, humid winds blowing from northeast & southwest
* rain mostly falls between November & March
* 14-20in/350-500mm annual rainfall; 6in/150mm on the easternmost island

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6
Q

How is Las Islas Canarias topographically divided?

A

These islands were created millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions & consists of 2 groups:

Western group:
* Tenerife
* Gran Canaria
* El Hierro
* La Palma
* La Gomera

Canary Ridge (eastern group):
* Fuerteventura
* Lanzarote
* some small islands

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7
Q

Which islands in Las Islas Canarias are homes to active volcanoes?

A
  • Lanzarote
  • Tenerife: Pico del Teide is 3rd largest on earth & highest point in Spain (12,198ft/3,718m)
  • La Palma
  • El Hierro
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8
Q

What soil types are found in Las Islas Canarias?

A

Low & medium-level elevation:
* volcanic soils dominate

Higher elevation:
* clay
* sand
* volcanic elements
* nutrient-rich & water-retentive

Lazarote & La Palma (parts):
* Lapilli (picon)

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9
Q

What is lapilli?

A

This is a soil found in parts of Lanzarote & La Palma of Las Islas Canarias.
It is a layer of small, porous, volcanic pebbles that blanket the topsoil.
It filters rain water, pulls moisture from the passing winds, & prevents evaporation of water from the soil beneath.

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10
Q

How is it that Las Islas Canarias is home to some of Spain’s oldest vines?

A

Phylloxera never arrived to this region.

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11
Q

Name the dominant varieties grown in Las Islas Canarias.

A

White:
* Malvasia Aromatica: likely originated from Greece/Cyprus; used to produce the unfortified, sweet white Malmsey
* Malvasia Volcanica (Malvasia de Lazarote): a natural indigenous white cross of Malvasia Aromatica & Marmajuelo (an indigenous white grape); suited to the volcanic soils of Lanzarote (>3/4 of total plantings)
* Listan Blanco (Palomino Fino): brought from Andalucia; planted throughout

Red:
* Listan Negro (Almuneco): indigenous; not a color variation of Listan Blanco; not genetically linked to Listan Prieto
* Listan Prieto: likely brought by Spanish settlers; native to Castilla-La Mancha; grown in small quantities

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12
Q

Which variety in Las Islas Canarias boasts a large number of vines exceeding 100 years old?

A

Malvasia Volcanica

Most of which are planted in Lanzarote.

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13
Q

Why is it that Listan Blanco thrives in Las Islas Canarias?

A

This variety, also known as Palomino Fino from Andalucia, is accustomed to:
* low rainfall
* intense sunshine

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14
Q

What red variety in Las Islas Canarias undergoes a number of production methods including carbonic maceration?

A

Listan Negro

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15
Q

What are the characteristics of Listan Negro wines?

A

Light & fruity w/ crisp acidity & soft tannins.

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16
Q

Which variety in Las Islas Canarias is touted as the original Mission grape of New World fame?

A

Listan Prieto

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17
Q

Where are most of the vineyards in Las Islas Canarias planted?

A

Vineyards in this region are planted on hillside terraces at elevations of up to 5,577ft/1,700m; some of the highest in Europe,

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18
Q

What vine training method is used in Las Islas Canarias?

A
  • en vaso
  • cordon trenzado: DOs Valle de la Orotava & Tacoronte-Acentejo on Tenerife Island
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19
Q

Describe the cordon trenzado vine training method.

A

In this vine training method, the vines are braided as they grow, allowing the horizontal cordons to be turned to the side to accomodate alternative crops.
The trunk of the vines normally stands 2-2.5ft/0.6-0.8m off of the ground w/ trailing canes that range from 13-49ft/4-15m in length.
This method grew out of the need for vineyard owners to cultivate multiple crops (usually potatoes) w/ minimal space.

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20
Q

Which DOP in Las Islas Canarias has the highest vines trained by cordon trenzado?

A

DO Valle de la Orotava (82ft/25m)

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21
Q

Describe the distinctive planting method used in Las Islas Canarias.

A

This planting method utilizes the thick layer of lapilli (small volcanic pebbles). A funnel-shaped hoyo (“hole”) is dug about 10ft/3m in diameter & 7-8ft/2-2.5m deep. The vine is planted at the bottom in order for the roots to find fertile soil. This funnel serves to collect precious rainwater and to protect the vines from wind.

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22
Q

What is an abrigo?

A

This is a semi-circular wall of volcanic rock built on the windward side of a planted vine meant to protect the vines from aggressive winds.
This method is used in Las Islas Canarias.

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23
Q

What characteristics are evoked from grapes planted in the lapilli soil of Las Islas Canarias?

A
  • vinos blancos: tropical fruit-driven, saline, mineral-driven
  • vinos rosados/tintos: minerality w/ overt spicy-savory notes & a lingering finish
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24
Q

Name the DOPs of Las Islas Canarias.

A
  1. DO Islas Canarias (2011)
  2. DO Lanzarote (1993)
  3. DO Tacoronte-Acentejo (1992)
  4. DO Valle de la Orotava (1996)
  5. DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora (1996)
  6. DO Abona (1996)
  7. DO El Hierro (1996)
  8. DO Gran Canaria (2006)
  9. DO La Gomera (1996)
  10. DO La Palma (1996)
  11. DO Valle de Guimar (1996)
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25
Q

What areas does DO Islas Canarias cover?

A

This DO includes all the islands in Las Islas Canarias archipelago.

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26
Q

What is the climate in DO Islas Canarias?

A

Subtropical
* variable across islands

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27
Q

What styles of wine are produced under DO Islas Canarias?

A
  • Blanco (66%)
  • Tinto (29%): Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva
  • Rosado (5%)
  • Espumoso (<1%)
  • Other (<1%): Generoso & Dulce
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28
Q

Name the white varieties permitted in DO Islas Canarias.

A

Preferred:
* Marmajuelo/Bermejuela, Doradilla/Forastera, Blanca, Gual, Malvasia Aromatica, Malvasia Volcanica, Moscatel de Alejandria, Sabro, Verdello, Vijariego Blanco/Diego

Authorized:
* Bastardo Blanco/Baboso Blanco, Breval, Burrablanca, Listan Blanco, Breval, Burrablanca, Listan Blanco de Canarias, Pedro Ximenez, Torrentes

29
Q

Name the red varieties permitted in DO Islas Canarias.

A

Preferred:
* Castellana Negra, Listan Negro/Almuneco, Malvasia Rosada, Negramoll, Tintilla

Authorized:
* Bastardo Negro/Baboso Negro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Listan Prieto, Merlot, Moscatel Negro, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vijariego Negro

30
Q

Where is DO Lanzarote located?

A

This DO covers the entire island of Lanzarote.

31
Q

What is the climate in DO Lanzarote?

A

Subtropical
* 6in/150mm annual rainfall

32
Q

What soil types are found in DO Lanzarote?

A

Lapilli/picon atop sand/clay over a bed of limestone.

33
Q

How are vineyards planted in DO Lanzarote?

A
  • Many vineyards here are planted in hoyos (holes) w/ a surrounding abrigo (wall) to serve as a windbreak.
  • Others are planted in trenches: on rare occasions will accomodate mechanization
34
Q

Why are lapilli soils vital to successful viticulture in DO Lanzarote?

A

In this island DO rainfall is scarce and the ash of this soil is beneficial due to its ability to retain water.
Also, vine roots work their way through this topsoil to reach more fertile strata of clay/sand which sits atop a bed of limestone.

35
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Lanzarote?

A
  • Blanco (80%)
  • Tinto (12%)
  • Rosado (7%)
  • Espumoso (1%)
  • Other (<1%)
36
Q

Name the white varieties permitted in DO Lanzarote.

A

Preferred:
* Malvasia Volcanica (Malvasia de Lazarote): occupies >75% of vineyard land
* Albillo Criollo
* Gual
* Moscatel de Alejandria
* Vijariego Blanco/Diego
* Verdello

Authorized:
* Burrablanca
* Breval
* Listan Blanco de Canarias
* Pedro Ximenez
* Torrentes

37
Q

Name the red varieties permitted in DO Lanzarote.

A

Preferred:
* Listan Negro/Almuneco
* Negramoll
* Malvasia Rosada
* Tintilla

Authorized:
* Bastardo Negro/Baboso Negro
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Moscatel Negro
* Pinot Noir
* Ruby Cabernet
* Syrah
* Tempranillo
* Vijariego Negro

38
Q

What styles of wine are produced from Malvasia Volcanica in DO Lanzarote?

A
  • vinos blancos
  • vinos espumosos
  • vinos dulces: naturally sweet & semi-sweet
39
Q

What are the characteristics of wine produced from Malvasia Volcanica?

A

Mineral-driven, citrusy wines that are light in body & hallmarked by crisp acidity.

40
Q

What styles of wine are produced from Listan Negro/Almuneco in DO Lanzarote?

A
  • Vino rosado
  • Vino tinto

Many of these wines undergo carbonic maceration w/ minimal oak aging.

41
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Listan Negro/Almuneco?

A

Light, fresh, fruit-forward.
Upon opening, many bottlings have a reductive, onion-like character due to high sulfur levels present in the volcanic soils.

42
Q

Which is the largest & oldest DO in Las Islas Canarias?

A

DO Tacoronte-Acentejo
* 40% of vineyards on Tenerife Island
* 20% of total area under vine across all islands

43
Q

Where is DO Tacoronte-Acentejo located?

A

This DO is on the northeastern tip of Tenerife.

44
Q

What is the climate in DO Tacoronte-Acentejo?

A

Subtropical
* 18-22in/450-550mm annual rainfall

45
Q

What soil types are found in DO Tacoronte-Acentejo?

A

Volcanic

46
Q

What vine training methods are used in DO Tacoronte-Acentejo?

A
  • espaldera
  • cordon trenzado
47
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Tacoronte-Acentejo?

A
  • Tinto (83%): most made exclusively from Listan Negro
  • Blanco (13%)
  • Rosado (3%)
  • Espumoso (1%)
  • Other (<1%)
48
Q

Name the white varieties permitted in DO Tacoronte-Acentejo.

A

Preferred:
* Albillo Criollo
* Marmajuelo/Bermejuela
* Doradilla/Forastera Blanc
* Gual
* Malvasia Aromatica
* Malvasia Volcanica
* Moscatel de Alejandria
* Sabro
* Verdello
* Vijariego Blanco/Diego

Authorized:
* Bastardo Blanco/Baboso Blanco, Breval, Burrablanc, Listan Blanco de Canarias (4%), Pedro Ximenez, Torrentes

49
Q

Name the red varieties permitted in DO Tacoronte-Acentejo.

A

Preferred:
* Listan Negro/Almuneco: 90% of plantings
* Castellana Negra
* Malvasia Rosada
* Negramoll: 4% of plantings
* Tintilla

Authorized:
* Bastardo Negro/Baboso Negro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Moscatel Negro, Listan Prieto, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vijariego Negro

50
Q

How are wines crafted from Listan Negro produced in DO Tacoronte-Acentejo?

A
  • carbonic maceration
  • Crianza
  • Reservas
  • Gran Reservas
51
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Listan Negro?

A

These wines are light & fruit-driven w/ soft tannins & crisp acidity with notes of red berries, fig leaf, & herbs.

52
Q

Where was the cordon trenzado vine training method pioneered?

A

DO Valle de la Orotava
Many of the vines in this DO are still trained using this system & some are more than 100 years old.

53
Q

Where is DO Valle de la Orotava located?

A

This DO is located south of Puerto de la Cruz in north-central Tenerife. The vineyards are planted on the terraced northern slopes of Mt. Teide.

54
Q

What is the climate in DO Valle de la Orotava?

A

Subtropical
* 18in/465mm annual rainfall

55
Q

What soil types are found in DO Valle de la Orotava?

A

Volcanic, sandy clay

56
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Valle de la Orotava?

A
  • Tinto (60%)
  • Blanco (34%)
  • Rosado (6%)
  • Espumoso (<1%)
  • Other (<1%)

Production consists of varietal & blends.
Much is consumed locally.

57
Q

Name the white varieties permitted in DO Valle de la Orotava.

A

Preferred:
* Albillo Criollo
* Marmajuelo/Bermejuelo: producing interesting wines
* Forastera Blanca/Doradilla
* Gual
* Malvasia Aromatica
* Malvasia Volcanica
* Moscatel de Alejandria
* Sabro
* Verdello
* Vijariego Blanco/Diego: producing interesting wines

Authorized:
* Listan Blanco de Canarias, Bastardo Blanco/Baboso Blanco, Breval, Burrablanca, Pedro Ximenez, Torrentes

58
Q

Name the red varieties permitted in DO Valle de la Orotava.

A

Preferred:
* Listan Negro/Almuneco
* Castellana Negra
* Malvasia Rosada
* Negramoll
* Tintilla: producing interesting wines

Authorized:
* Bastardo Negro/Baboso Negro: producing interesting wines
* Cabernet Sauvignon, Listan Prieto, Merlot, Moscatel Negro, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, Tempranillo
* Vijariego Negro: producing interesting wines

59
Q

Which grape varieties dominate production in DO Valle de la Orotava?

A
  • Listan Blanco
  • Listan Negro

Both produce light, fresh, easy-drinking, mineral-driven wines.

60
Q

Where is DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora located?

A

This DO is in the northwestern segment of the island of Tenerife.
Vineyards are planted on the steep & trecherous slopes of Mt Teide, up to elevations of 4,593ft/1,400m.

61
Q

Where did DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora get its name?

A

This DO gets its unusual name from 2 kingdoms that belonged to the indigenous Gaunche peoples - Ycoden & Daute - plus the territories of Princess Isora.

62
Q

What is the climate in DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora?

A

Subtropical
* 21in/540mm annual rainfall

63
Q

What soil types are found in DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora ?

A

Volcanic, sandy clay

64
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora?

A
  • Blanco (78%): most popular; most are easy-drinking; some producers are experimenting w/ oak-aging
  • Tinto (21%): min. 75% red varieties; wines produced via carbonic maceration requires 100% red grapes
  • Rosado (1%): min. 50% red varieties
  • Espumoso (<1%)
  • Other (<1%)
65
Q

Name the white varieties permitted in DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora.

A

Preferred:
* Albillo Criollo
* Marmajuelo/Bermejuela
* Forastera Blanca/Doradilla
* Gual
* Malvasia Aromatica
* Malvasia Volcanica
* Moscatel de Alejandria
* Sabro
* Verdello
* Vijariego Blanco/Diego

Authorized:
* Listan Blanco de Canarias
* Bastardo Blanco/Baboso Blanco
* Pedro Ximenez
* Torrentes

66
Q

Name the red varieties permitted in DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora.

A

Preferred:
* Listan Negro/Almuneco
* Castellana Negra
* Malvasia Rosada
* Negramoll
* Tintilla

Authorized:
* Bastardo Negro/Baboso Negro
* Moscatel Negra
* Vijariego Negro

67
Q

The majority of vineyards in DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora are planted to which 2 varieties?

A

80% of vineyards in this DO are dedicated to:
* Listan Blanco
* Listan Negro

The following also have a fan-base:
* Marmajuelo
* Gual
* Albillo
* Tintilla

68
Q

What are the characteristics of white wines from DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora?

A

These wines are easy-drinking, citrusy, & mineral-driven w/ crisp acidity.
Those being oak-aged result in deeper, more complex wines.

69
Q

Which is the smallest DO in Las Islas Canarias?

A

DO El Hierro

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