It may seem an unlikely story, but the relatively recent popularity of wines from the Canary Islands came about as a result of ‘Wine and Sex’ parties organised by a local entrepreneur, who seemed to have an obsession, or fascination, with Tuppersex parties, which are based upon the highly successful concept of Tupperware parties. Instead of those delightful, sealable, plastic boxes, it was sex toys that were on offer. This operation seemed ideal for the introduction
of a heady mix of sex toys and Canarian wines to titivate those with money and nothing better to do, which many experts say was the start of the boom in wines from the Canary Islands.
At first sight, the Canary Islands seem an unlikely source for some of the excellent wines produced today, since it is the most tropical of wine regions in Europe. Those who doubt the success of these wines should remember that back in the 15th century, sweet wines from the Canary Islands were hugely popular, both in the UK and Germany. Indeed, Shakespeare had a thing or two to say about this sweet wine, then called Malmsey, in his plays; for example, in ‘Twelfth Night’ and ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. For five hundred years, the archipelago has cultivated grape vines that are unique, thanks to a rootstock that is ungrafted. Since the islands are relatively isolated, a ravenous aphid called phylloxera that destroyed most grapevines in Europe in the 19th Century, has never taken hold. Most European vines are now grown onto American rootstocks to provide immunity, whilst vines in the Canary Islands are from ungrafted rootstock, which makes all the difference to the flavour of the wine.
Nowadays, most of the islands’ wine is drunk by its vast numbers of tourists, as well as the locals. However, some wine continues to be exported, particularly to the USA, where it is regarded very much as a wine for the connoisseur. Most of the islands’ wine production comes from Lanzarote and Tenerife, but with an increasing output from the islands of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.
It is true that some of the islands are too hot and humid for the growing of grapes, but each of the islands have their own micro climates and individual typology that makes the growing of wine not only possible, but successful. Vineyards based within a lunar like terrain, such as on the island of Lanzarote, or small stone terraced vineyards at high altitudes, together with volcanic soil adds to the flavour of the islands’ aromatic wines.
Not all attempts at producing wines have been successful. One enterprising vineyard, for instance, began to produce a sparkling wine in response to local demand. It was a banana-based wine, and a logical step since many bananas are grown on the islands.
Sadly, this imaginative project came to an abrupt end, because many bottles started to explode as a result of on-going fermentation.
I visit each of the Canary Islands in turn each year and make a point of trying at least one of the local wines; I have yet to be disappointed. So, if on holiday in the Canary Islands, do add a little uniqueness to your holiday. Instead of ordering that usual bottle of Rioja, do be a little more adventurous and try a bottle of wine produced in the Canary Islands; you won’t regret it, but don’t feel obliged to join in with the sex parties, unless you really want to!
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice’ (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46633/
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