Gran Canaria Island - Canary Wine

Gran Canaria

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The Continent in Miniature

“The continent in miniature”. This is how Gran Canaria is popularly known; an island that offers a seemingly infinite variety of landscapes, microclimates and vegetation. Viticulture began at the hands of the first Spanish settlers in the 15th century and even today, wine production still leans heavily on traditional methods and indigenous grape varieties.

Soil

The vines are grown on volcanic soils. However, there is a diversity of composition, textures and structures that differs…

Climate

The climate of Gran Canaria is Mediterranean, influenced by the trade winds and breezes from the Atlantic Ocean…

Grape Varieties

Due to the long history of growing grapes on Gran Canaria, it comes as no surprise to find the wealth of varieties still…

Viticulture

As with most of the islands in the archipelago, viticultural traditions are well preserved and respected on Gran Canaria…

Soil

The vines are grown on volcanic soils. However, there is a diversity of composition, textures and structures that differs according to when each soil was formed. The island is a massif divided into two, well-differentiated sides; the north is the youngest part of the island and the south, with its ravines and cliffs, is by far the oldest.

Climate

The climate of Gran Canaria is Mediterranean, influenced by the trade winds and breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, depending on the height of the vineyard. The south of the island is widely regarded as having the best weather in the world, due to consistent sunshine and moderate temperatures.

Grape Varieties

Due to the long history of growing grapes on Gran Canaria, it comes as no surprise to find the wealth of varieties still growing on the island today. Listán Negro and Negramoll are the two most planted red grapes, whilst Malvasia Volcanica is the most important grape for white wines.

Viticulture

As with most of the islands in the archipelago, viticultural traditions are well preserved and respected on Gran Canaria, often requiring specialised, trained labour to manage. El Parral and Vaso Irregular are good examples of this.

Main Grape Varieties in Gran Canaria

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.

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.

BREVAL

Breval

A white grape variety known as Breval on the islands and Beba on mainland Spain, where it was cultivated in Andalusia before the phylloxera plague. A white grape variety also known as Brevala on the islands and Beba on mainland Spain, where it was cultivated in Andalusia before the phylloxera plague. An early ripening variety, it produces its best wines on Gran Canaria, where it is often blended together with other white grape varieties to produce balanced, aromatic wines.