Lanzarote (DO)
Lanzarote is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines that covers the entire island of Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, Spain. It acquired its DO in 1993, and there are currently 2,300 ha under cultivation.
There are four subzones:
La Geria, the largest and located in the south
San Bartolomé/Tías (Masdache), in the centre
Tinajo, in the centre-west
Haría-Ye, in the north
Geography and Soils
Lanzarote, the easternmost island in the Canary islands has a unique and spectacular landscape in that the centre of the island is covered by solidified black lava (from a volcanic eruption in 1730-36). This means that nothing can grow there, but around the edges of this mass of lava, conditions are ideal for vines due to the presence of a layer of volcanic ash, known as lapilli or picón. This layer of ash allows quick absorption of rain, prevents it from evaporating, and helps to maintain constant the temperature of the soil underneath.
The vines are planted in holes or ditches so that their roots can reach the soil under the ash. Each hole or ditch is surrounded by a stone wall to protect the vine from the winds.
