Visit the Lanzarote wine bodegas
Lanzarote Wine History
Bodegas of Lanzarote
Wine tasting in Lanzarote
Types of Wine available in Lanzarote
Lanzarote wine and bodegas
Lanzarote Wine and bodegas introduction.
Lanzarote first became famous for its Wine all across Europe because of its Wine Bodegas originating in 1730.
The unique Lanzarote volcanic soil gives its grapes a rich flavour unlike any other. The mixture or arid environment and sea air contribute to the distinct wine taste.
Now the award winning wines from the island are widely enjoyed in Lanzarote and exported around the world.
Lanzarote Wine History
The first grape vines of Lanzarote were brought over in the 1400’s by the early settlers. Attempts were made at wine cultivation but without great success at that time. Other islands with richer soil and higher rainfalls had better grape growing results.
In the year 1730 huge volcanic eruptions dramatically changed the entire Lanzarote landscape. Huge areas of the island were covered in ash, locally known as ‘rofe’.
The ash covering was the missing ingredient to successful wine growth on the island. Before the eruptions wind and little rain dried out the fertile top soil and blew it away. With the protection of the ash layer top soil was protected, not blown away and moisture was retained. All of a sudden this accidental miracle of growth changed the face of wind and general crop growth in Lanzarote. Now all agriculture in Lanzarote uses this technic with a black gravel surface covering called ‘Picon’.
To best grow the grape vines small holes were dug, known and ‘zocos’. Vines were planted and top soil protected by ‘Rofe’. At last the vines could grow, absorb the mineral rich soils and create a grape unlike any other. This new technic of mineral additive and top soil protection created an ideal, and original, way to cultivate grapes giving abundance and distinctive flavour to the harvests.
Lanzarote Wine
The 1730 five years of volcanic eruptions took place in the Timanfaya area of Lanzarote, adjacent to La Geria. The fertile ash from the eruptions made the area of La Geria the perfect place to grow grapes and make wine.
Across La Geria wine makers or ‘Bodegas’ went to work digging literally thousands of zocos to plant grape vines.
Wine in Lanzarote is still grown using traditional methods, retaining the unique taste that can only be found on the island.
Bodegas of Lanzarote
Most of the Lanzarote bodegas were formed hundreds of years ago and still continue today. The oldest Lanzarote bodega is El Grifo which was founded way back in 1775. Other historic bodegas include Rubicon and La Florida.
The Lanzarote bodegas still keep the heart of their wine production using traditional harvesting and fermentation methods. To further enhance their product they now integrate modern hygienic methods and organic techniques to maintain a constant high quality wine.
Wine tasting in Lanzarote
For members of the public interested in tasting the different Lanzarote wines it is possible to take part in ‘Wine Tasting’ events. By doing a wine tasting you will get a good idea of the different flavours of wine available. Wine tasting tours can be booked online or at any of the major Lanzarote wine bodegas in the La Geria and La Florida areas on the island. Bottles of Lanzarote wine to purchase are also readily available at the bodegas.
Types of Wine available in Lanzarote
Lanzarote produces many different types of wine from its famous volcanic soil grown grapes. Traditional growing methods mixed with modern hygiene are implemented.
The kinds of wine available in Lanzarote include:
White wine – Mainly from the Malvasia, Diego and Moscatel grape species. A white wine is created made in a variety of tastes from dry through medium, sweet and sparkling
Rose wines – Often blended from red and white wines these offer a light and vibrant flavour that can be refreshing on warm summer days
Red wine – Red wine is not very widely produced in Lanzarote but is available. The Lanzarote red wines are produced from a darker grape.
Sparkling wine in Lanzarote – These are a rare wine with a lengthy production process. Sparkling Lanzarote wine has been available since 1991 made from vines over 40 years old. Sparkling wine harvest comes early in the year and the wines are aged in the bottle to keep the flavour cleaner.
Lanzarote wine tours
The best way to fully immerse yourself in the Lanzarote wine culture is by going on a Lanzarote Wine tour.
There are a number of different wine tours available to suit the time you have available, your level of interest and wine region you want to learn more about.
The wine tour companies will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you back after. Wine tour duration starts from just three and a half hours and prices are from 75 euros per person.
On your wine tour you will visit different vineyards, do some wine tasting, try typical Lanzarote tapas and learn what goes into producing the wines.
Other wine tours take you to the North of Lanzarote or go more in depth about the whole process, vintages, flavours and more.
Further tours take you into craft beer breweries again with the popular tasting.
For a full list of all the Lanzarote Wine tours available visit the winetourslanzarote.com website
Summary of Lanzarote Wines
The unique volcanic heritage of Lanzarote has directly lead to the creation of a unique selection of wines. Never was it so apparent how a past and a culture can be dramatically imprinted into a ingestable product. You can literally drink the wine and taste the heritage. Over hundreds of years the Lanzarote bodegas have overcome adversity, implemented novel methods and been able to produce a product that is valued and respected around the world.
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You can even buy your favourite Lanzarote Wines and other traditional delicacies for delivery across the UK and Europe at www.wineshoplanzarote.com.
