THE VINEYARD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE
Extreme conditions, exceptional wines
VOLCANO HERITAGE
With the Sahara Desert as its continental neighbor, it only rains on average 35 days a year in Lanzarote. The trade winds bless with their humidity, but the clouds pass by. Volcanic ash maintains that scarce and invaluable moisture.
These pre-phylloxera vines have survived uncultivated for more than two centuries. They are grown in rows, in holes and in even deeper 'chabocos'.
In these harsh conditions, the varieties Malvasía Volcánica, Listán Negro, Listán Blanco, Vijariego and Moscatel are mainly pampered and cultivated.
PRE-PHYLLOXERA VARIETALS
The phylloxera plague that devastated Europe in the last third of the 19th century never reached the Canary Islands, which allowed the preservation of its grape varieties.
The varieties of Lanzarote arrived, after the eruptions of the 18th century, from other islands of the Archipelago. They had originally reached the Canary Islands from Andalusia in the early 16th century.
In Lanzarote, most of the varieties described in 1877 by the engineer Barrioso in the report he presented at the National Viticulture Congress of 1878 are still preserved today.
Some are exclusive to the Canary Islands, such as Malvasía Volcánica and Listán Negro; others, like Vijariego, are becoming endemic, since they have almost disappeared in their original region of Andalusia.
The absence of phylloxera makes it possible to plant vines on their own rootstock (pie franco), without the need for grafting, just as it was always done.
VARIETY MALVASÍA VOLCÁNICA LANZAROTE
MALVASÍA VOLCÁNICA
Malvasía Volcánica, an exclusive variety of Lanzarote, is an exceptional grape adapted to the island’s unique conditions, especially water scarcity.
According to our studies (Report on Atlantic Malvasía), it is the variety used to produce the historic Canary wines, the Canari Wine, which reigned in Europe from the mid-16th century throughout the 17th century, disappearing during the 18th century as it was replaced by other, more productive white varieties such as Listán Blanco.
Its cultivation in the volcanic soils of Lanzarote, combined with ageing on the lees, gives rise to wines of great complexity and a captivating aromatic profile. Its floral notes and pronounced minerality reflect the volcanic character of Lanzarote.
LISTAN NEGRO VARIETY LANZAROTE
LISTÁN NEGRO
An indigenous variety of the Canary Islands, Listán Negro is the most widely planted red grape in the archipelago.
Originally from the Iberian Peninsula, it has adapted exceptionally well to the volcanic soils and unique climate of the islands, developing a distinctive personality that sets it apart from its continental relatives.
Above all, it is a grape deeply rooted in the winemaking identity of the Canary Islands, whose cultivation embodies the fusion of tradition, landscape, and bioclimatic adaptation.
LANZAROTE MOSCATEL VARIETY
MOSCATEL
This variety is widespread in winegrowing regions and is known as Muscat of Alexandria, Roman Muscat, or Moscatel de Grano Gordo (large-berry).
As it requires abundant water, it thrives in the chabocos—fissures in the volcanic lava layer—or along their edges.
Grown on centenary vines and in the unique chabocos of EL GRIFO, this variety surprises by giving life to dry wines of outstanding complexity, such as our Moscatel Orange Wine.
Although traditionally associated with sweet wines, here it reveals its most versatile and daring side, ideal for those seeking a genuine and different experience.
VARIETY SYRAH LANZAROTE
SYRAH
Syrah, fully adapted to Lanzarote’s volcanic terroir, finds the perfect environment on the island to express its character.
The mineral-rich, well-drained picón soil enables this grape to develop intense wines with spicy notes and an elegant minerality.
At EL GRIFO, Syrah forms an exceptional synergy with our native variety, Listán Negro, creating our award-winning red, Ariana—a fresh wine with remarkable aromatic depth.
VARIETY VIJARIEGO BLANCO LANZAROTE
VIJARIEGO BLANCO
This variety was once very abundant in Andalusia (from where it was brought to the Canary Islands, along with other varieties, from the late 15th century), as described by Simón de Roxas Clemente in his 1807 work.
With the arrival of phylloxera, it almost disappeared there, surviving only residually in the Alpujarra of Granada.
Today, it is a minority variety, cultivated almost exclusively in the volcanic area of “Juan Bello”, just behind our winery.
It stands out for maintaining high acidity until the end of its ripening, making it ideal for wines aged in bottle or tank. A unique wine that captures the volcanic essence and singularity of Lanzarote.
VARIETY VIJARIEGO NEGRO LANZAROTE
VIJARIEGO NEGRO
Also known as Sumoll, this variety is notable for its excellent adaptability to diverse growing conditions. In Lanzarote, the largest plot of this variety is found at EL GRIFO, ensuring a quality production that captures the authenticity of the volcanic soil.
A wine that expresses the uniqueness of its origin with every sip.
