La Palma has the strongest historical wine reputation in the Canaries. For centuries, Malvasia from La Palma was the "Canary sack" drunk by Shakespeare's Falstaff, traded across Europe, and celebrated as one of the great wines of the world. The island's steep volcanic terrain and clean air also make it botanically extraordinary.
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The DO has three sub-zones with distinct characters:
- Fuencaliente (south) -- the most famous. Active volcanic zone -- the Teneguia volcano last erupted in 1971. Black volcanic soils, lower altitude. Classic Malvasia country.
- Norte de La Palma -- greener, higher rainfall, different character
- Hoyo de Mazo (east) -- transitional zone
- Malvasia Canaria -- historic, produces both dry and sweet styles. The sweet Malvasia from Fuencaliente is extraordinary.
- Negramoll -- best red variety here, smooth and elegant
- Listan Negro
- Listan Blanco
- Bujariego (= Vijariego)
- Bodegas Teneguia -- in Fuencaliente, right by the volcano. Classic Malvasia, essential.
- El Nispero -- quality across varieties
- Vinos El Hogar -- small production, interesting
Teneguia Malvasia Dulce -- sweet Malvasia from Fuencaliente, made from partially sun-dried grapes. Rich, complex, the living link to what Shakespeare was drinking. Also look for dry Negramoll if you can find it.
Fuencaliente on map