Tenerife’s wines are a true expression of a unique landscape, where volcanic terroir and Atlantic climate combine to cultivate some of Spain’s most distinctive grapes. This post explores the native grape varieties that define the island’s winemaking, such as Listán Negro, Negramoll, Tintilla, Bastardo Negro, Vijariego Negro, Marmajuelo, Malvasia, and how mineral-rich soils contribute to a flavor palette found nowhere else in the world. Discover how Tenerife’s ancient winemaking traditions and modern innovations create globally captivating wines.
The Impact of volcanic terroir
Tenerife’s volcanic soils are crucial in defining the unique character of the region’s wines. Formed by ancient eruptions, these soils are extremely mineral-rich and retain water well, reducing the need for artificial irrigation. This allows the vines to naturally stress, concentrating flavors and aromas in the grapes. The pronounced minerality of these soils enhances the wines, especially noted in the freshness and complexity of white wines and the tannic structure of reds. Additionally, the soil’s porosity aids drainage, preventing waterlogging and promoting a healthy, deep root system that explores various soil layers, reflecting in the intensity and flavor diversity of the wines.
Native grape varieties of the Canary Islands
Tenerife, blessed with its climate and geography, is home to unique grapes that produce special characteristic wines. We explore varieties such as Listán Negro, Listán Blanco, and Malvasia, highlighting how each contributes to the uniqueness of our wines.
Listán Negro: Tenerife’s robust red
Predominant in the production of reds on the island, Listán Negro is the backbone of island viticulture. This grape offers full-bodied wines, characterized by robustness and a rich palette of aromas including red fruit notes and a subtle spicy touch. Its adaptability to the volcanic climate and the influence of the Atlantic endows it with a unique personality, resulting in reds that stand out for their vigor and depth.
Listán Blanco: The elegance of Canarian whites
Often overshadowed by its red counterpart, Listán Blanco is no less significant in Tenerife’s viticulture. This variety produces light, fresh white wines with balanced acidity, perfect for the island’s warm climate. Its wines are appreciated for their floral aromas and citrus notes, offering a refreshing contrast to the intensity of Listán Negro. This grape thrives in volcanic soils, bringing elegance and sophistication to each bottle.
Moscatel: Tenerife’s aromatic sweetness
In Tenerife, Moscatel is synonymous with sweetness and aromatic complexity. This grape is celebrated for its ability to produce sweet wines with an intense bouquet, dominated by aromas of fruits like peach and apricot, along with floral notes. The island’s Moscatel wines stand out for their balance between sweetness and acidity, making them perfect for desserts or as appetizers.
Vijariego Negro: A distinct character
Vijariego Negro, a native variety of Tenerife, is gaining recognition for its ability to produce high-quality red wines. This grape is noted for its aromatic intensity, offering ripe black fruit notes and a subtle spicy touch. On the palate, Vijariego Negro presents a well-defined tannic structure and refreshing acidity, leading to a long, elegant finish. Its adaptation to the island’s volcanic terroir allows it to express all its complexity and sophistication, creating wines that truly represent the unique character of Tenerife.
We invite you to discover Bodegas Monje, whether by visiting our winery to experience the magic of our volcanic wines firsthand or by ordering your wine from wherever you are. Book a tasting or a visit to our vineyards to understand how the culture and nature of Tenerife intertwine in each bottle. Explore our wines and place your order now!