EL GRIFO AND CULTURE
A tribute to universal artists who gave us their friendship
THE FOOTPRINT OF CÉSAR MANRIQUE
Fine arts, culture and literature have been linked to the history of El Grifo in an inextricable way. An intellectual and poetic commitment is added to the architecture of its winery and its outbuildings, integrated into the volcanic landscape.
The Lanzarote artist César Manrique, the great custodian of the island, its environment and its people, was a personal friend of the Otamendi family and created the brand's logo (that fabulous gryphon bird mix of eagle and lion), in addition to the design of the labels, doors or entrance sculptures such as the Gryphon Bird Monument.
He was also essential in the transformation of the original winery into a museum in 1981, in whose implementation she selflessly collaborated.
JOSÉ HIERRO: EVERYTHING IS IN THE BOOKS
The illustrious EL GRIFO library serves as a container for more than 5,000 volumes that deal with the history, agriculture and wine of the Canary Islands. He raised the curtain in 1998 and had the poet José Hierro as master of ceremonies.
A very valuable jewel stands out in its collection: a first edition acquired at auction of “The History of the Discovery and Conquest of the Canary Islands” (London, 1764). A mixture of a travel, adventure and agronomy book, it was written by George Glas (1725-1765). This itinerant Scot, merchant and spy for His Gracious Majesty was the one who introduced the Listán Negro variety to the island.
Another great bibliophile discovery was the book of accounts and elaborations of the great-grandfather of the current owners, Manuel García Durán.
SARAMAGO AND A NOBEL ANNIVERSARY
In 2002 we celebrated, two years late, the winery commemorated its 225th Anniversary. The Nobel Prize winner José Saramago, then an illustrious resident of the island, unveiled a plaque on the occasion of the winery's anniversary, in which he participated with some words that are preserved framed in the library.
Likewise, and he prefaced the book "Traditional cooperage and the wines of the Canary Islands" by Juan José Otamendi, published by the winery at the beginning of the new millennium.
EL GRIFO has produced limited editions to commemorate the birth of these three unique artists.
CENTENNIAL TRIBUTES
JOSÉ HIERRO
Centennial Edition 1922-2022
From a very limited production of 1,632 bottles, this Volcanic Malvasia was made with grapes from Don José Núñez's plot.
MALVASÍA DE CÉSAR
Centennial Edition 1919-2019
14,000 bottles of Volcanic Malvasia on Lees. The bottle's label features a fragment of the mural titled 'Lanzarote', created by César in 1953.
SARAMAGO 100
Centennial Edition 1922-2022
Limited edition of 12,986 bottles. Made with 100% Syrah variety planted on the winery's estate. The logo is the work of Estrada Design.
BODEGAS EL GRIFO
A UNIQUE LIBRARY
EL GRIFO has a unique library in Spain, with classic treatises and first editions of essential works on history, viticulture and agriculture of the Canary Islands.
MORE THAN 5,000 WORKS
Inaugurated by the poet José Hierro in 1998, it was confirmed on our 225th anniversary by José Saramago
