Introduction to the vine in Tenerife
The Canary Islands are a true sanctuary of wine biodiversity. Thanks to its geographical isolation and the absence of phylloxera, the archipelago has preserved a unique heritage of indigenous and ancient varieties, many of them red grapes, which give life to wines with a personality marked by the volcanic origin, the Atlantic climate and centuries-old traditions.
Most cultivated red grape varieties in the Canary Islands
Listán Negro
The most emblematic and widespread red variety of the archipelago. It is grown mainly in Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria. It is a versatile grape, well adapted to the conditions of the islands, and with great capacity to express the character of the terroir.
It produces fresh, medium-bodied wines with aromas of red fruit, pepper, herbs and an unmistakable smoky or mineral touch.
Negramoll
One of the oldest and most appreciated varieties in the Canary Islands, especially in La Palma, El Hierro and Tenerife. It is characterized by its elegance and smoothness, with delicate tannins and a refined aromatic profile.
Its wines tend to show notes of ripe fruit, dried flowers, damp earth and sweet spices. It is ideal for both young wines and subtle ageing.
Baboso Negro
Very low yielding variety and sensitive to diseases that make it very difficult to cultivate. It has gained prominence due to its enormous oenological potential.
Emblematic variety of the island of El Hierro, although it has been planted in recent decades also in Tenerife.
It produces intense wines with good structure, firm tannins and a long finish. Aromas of black fruit, violets, graphite and spices stand out. It has great aging capacity.
Vijariego Negro
Variety of long cycle and loose bunches, cultivated especially in El Hierro, La Palma and Tenerife. It is valued for its natural acidity, good structure and adaptability.
Its wines have great freshness, with aromas of black fruit, spices, balsamic notes and a long, mineral finish. It is used both in single-varietal wines and in blends.
Castellana
This minority variety is grown mainly on La Palma, although it is also found on El Hierro and Tenerife.
Its origin is uncertain, but it has been part of the Canary Island vineyard for centuries.
It gives rise to wines with marked personality, good acidity, aromas of wild fruit, spices and a slightly rustic background. It has traditionally been used in blends, but it is increasingly common to find it in single-varietal wines due to its unique character.
Tintilla
It is present in small plots in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Although its name is associated with the peninsular Graciano, in the Canary Islands it shows a different behavior.
Tintilla wines are deep, with good tannin content, intense color and spicy aromas of black fruit and scrubland. It is used to add complexity and structure to blends, and in some cases as a single varietal for cellaring.
Listán Prieto
A historical variety, considered one of the first brought from the Canary Islands to America in colonial times, where it still survives under the name of Misión.
In the islands, especially in Tenerife and La Palma, it has been rediscovered in recent years.
It produces light wines, with soft tannins and notes of red fruit, dried herbs, leather and volcanic soil. Its value lies in both its quality and its history.
