Lanzarote (DO)

Lanzarote is a Spanish Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) for wines that covers the entire island of Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, Spain. It acquired its DO in 1994, and there are currently around 1,800 ha under cultivation.

Lanzarote DOP
Wine region
Lanzarote DOP in the province of Las Palmas in the region of the Canary Islands
Official nameD.O.P. Lanzarote[1]
TypeDenominación de Origen Protegida (DOP)
Year established1994[2]
CountrySpain
Sub-regionsLa Geria, San Bartolomé/Tías, Tinajo and Haría-Ye
No. of vineyards1,849 hectares (4,569 acres)[2]
No. of wineries19[3]
Wine produced4,330 hectolitres[2]
CommentsData for 2016 / 2017[2]

There are four subzones:

  • La Geria, the largest and located in the south
  • San Bartolomé/Tías (Masdache), in the centre
  • Tinajo, in the centre-west
  • Haría-Ye, in the north

Geography and soils

Lanzarote, the easternmost island in the Canary islands has a unique and spectacular landscape in that the centre of the island is covered by solidified black lava (from a volcanic eruption in 1730-36). This means that nothing can grow there, but around the edges of this mass of lava, conditions are ideal for vines due to the presence of a layer of volcanic ash, known as lapilli or picón. This layer of ash allows quick absorption of rain, prevents it from evaporating, and helps to maintain constant the temperature of the soil underneath.

The vines are planted in holes or ditches so that their roots can reach the soil under the ash. Each hole or ditch is surrounded by a stone wall to protect the vine from the winds.

Climate

Lanzarote, being the island closest to Africa, is affected by the continent’s dry subtropical climate. Frost is unknown on the island. The sea breezes provide a temperate maritime climate. The mean temperatures range from 16°C to 34°C. Rainfall is very low (200 mm) and irregular throughout the year.

Authorised Grape Varieties

The authorised grape varieties are:

References
  1. "Denominación de Origen Protegida "Lanzarote"". Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  2. Driscoll, Killian. "Guide to the Wine Regions of Spain, Part 1 - Lanzarote DOP". artobatours.com. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  3. "D.O. Lanzarote". www.dolanzarote.com. Retrieved 17 January 2020.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.