Welcome back to another monthly update from our series of a year in the vineyards of Lanzarote!
Weather wise, pleasingly the month started off with slightly less wind and bluer skies. Though, we have just passed through a Calima and it was the first one this year where you really felt the heat, with temperaturs pushing 40c! For those that don’t know, a Calima is a Sahara wind which blows across the Canary Islands a few times a year bringing and with it hot air, dust and sand particles. It usually lasts a few days and as you can imagine, plants and trees tend to suffer from these winds and the intense heat.
The stone walls you see in the vineyards play a big factor in protecting the vines from the effects. Meanwhile, as reported last month humidity, continues to be a problem. The farmers continue to fight against mildew by applying sulphur to the vines as you read about in our May update.
As we approach July, the wineries are preparing for harvest as Lanzarote’s harvest is the first in Europe, usually commencing in July. Now is the time when we start seeing the large wineries clearing their cooling areas and building temporary offices ready to deal with the farmers for when they come to sell their grapes. Here on the Island, we have close to 2,000 registered viticulturists (out of a population of approx. 150,000!) and many sell to the large commercial wineries, such as El Grifo, Bermejo, Vega De Yuco, among others. These wineries would buy in grapes from up to 250 or 300 different farmers. It is a massive logistical challenge for the wineries as they won’t just buy any grape, of course! In the weeks leading up to harvest the technicians are in direct contact with the farmers and in their vineyards, as well as analysing the grape samples back in the laboratory. The harvest is 100% directed by the winery, ensuring the grapes are just perfect for the style of wine they wish to make!
Our July update will be a continuation of this story. It is always an exciting time of year as we approach the annual harvest!
wine of the month
Photo: David Shilham
Bodega Vulcano Listán Negro Rosado
This month we have selected a rose wine from Bodega Vulcano, simply as we make the shift from spring to summer this is the perfect wine to be outside, in the garden, feet up and enjoying some relaxation time!
Our rose selection probably didn’t take too many by surprise given the sunshine! But this rose will take you by surprise! Like all of Lanzarote’s traditional roses it is produced from manually harvested Listán Negro. The grapes are crushed and then macerated in their skins for a number of hours (producing a bright vivid cherry hue), before being fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The process optimises its freshness and it’s characterised by red and summer fruits flavours and with it a crisp and refreshing acidity. This dry rose can be pared with light soft cheeses, vegetables or even a white meat cooked in a soft sauce.
Vulcano’s wines are also vegan, meaning there are no animal or dairy products used throughout the entire winemaking process (often animal products are used in filtration).
This rose is hugely popular on the Island and is one we stock in Wine Shop Lanzarote in the UK & Ireland right here.
That wraps it up from us for June. To learn more you can join us for a Wine and Vineyard Walk Tour in Lanzarote or even virtually via a personalised online tour and tasting!
We hope to see you on the Island soon!
Best wishes
Wine Tours Lanzarote
