The wines of the Canary Islands have a very interesting history that goes back several centuries. Its origin, development and boom in international trade have marked a unique wine legacy.
The origin of vineyards in the Canary Islands
The first vines arrived in the Canary Islands in the 15th century, after the conquest of the islands by the Crown of Castile. The conquistadors introduced vines brought mainly from the Iberian Peninsula and Madeira and other areas of Europe.
Thanks to the subtropical climate, the mineral-rich volcanic soils, and the trade winds, the vines found an optimal environment for their cultivation.
Boom in the canary wine trade
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Canary Island wine became a highly valued product in international trade, especially in England. The most appreciated variety was the "Malvasía", a sweet wine that conquered the European courts and was mentioned in works by authors such as William Shakespeare.
In his play Henry IV he wrote this:
"By my faith that you have drunk too much canary wine, a wonderful and penetrating wine that perfumes the blood before one can say: what is this?".
The Canary wine trade was not only limited to England. It also had a strong presence in markets such as Flanders and America. The Canarian wineries prospered with the export boom and the port of Garachico was consolidated as a strategic point in the distribution of wine. Ships departed loaded with barrels of Malvasia, destined for the tables of the European aristocracy and royalty.
The quality of Canary Island wine became so appreciated that it even became a luxury item, with high prices and a high demand.
The decline due to the conflict between Spain and England
The Canary wine trade suffered a hard blow at the end of the 17th century and beginning of the 18th century due to the war conflicts between Spain and England. Trade tensions, embargoes and competition from other European wines caused a decline in exports.
Resurgence and current affairs of Canary Island wines
During the last 2 centuries the Canarian wine has been kept for the self-consumption of the islands, with many small wineries and winemakers throughout the islands. Wines were mostly consumed in bulk at home or in the famous guanchinches.
In the 90's the Denomination of Origin was created in the islands, the wines began to be bottled and today, in the XXI century the Canary wines are back in fashion around the world due to its own varieties that only exist in the islands and its volcanic character, the export is once again the destination of the highest quality wines.
