Origin of the Volcanic Malvasia
Lunar Landscape Biosphere Reserve where Wine rises from the Volcanic Ashes
Timanfaya is the National Park of the Canary Islands (Spain). It has an eminently geological character as a result of the volcanic eruptions that occurred during the eighteenth century when for six years, through a series of volcanic eruptions, it has covered a quarter of the island. The unique landscape is formed by the unusual palette of colours of the red and disturbing black of the lapilli.
The Great Eruption
On September 1, 1730, the small town of Chimafaya was engulfed by the eruption of a volcano now known as the Caldera del Cuervo. A lava stream ran in a northerly direction and successively razed villages of Chimafaya, el Rodeo, Mancha Blanca la Grande...
A branch of this current headed northwestwards destroying the villages.
It was the beginning of a series of eruptions that for six years covered a quarter of the island with lava, lapilli and volcanic ash, and made appear the numerous volcanic cones that can still can be seen today.
The priest of Yaiza left in his diary a chilling description of the effects of lava in the village of Maso:
"On September 11, the strength of the lava stream renewed. From St. Catherine fell on Maso, burned and completely covered the village and then rushed like a waterfall of fire into the sea."
No one could imagine then that the Malpaís would give way to a unique winemaking environment where Volcanic Ash would serve to preserve the humidity of the crops.
La Geria
La Geria is one of the most characteristic agricultural landscapes of the island of Lanzarote, it is a Protected Natural Area.
It is formed mainly by Volcanic Rock. Its most characteristic use are the plantations of vineyards that take advantage of the possibilities of lapilli as a retainer of moisture for its development.
Here the method of cultivation of the vineyards of Lanzarote was first developed, which is considered unique in the world.
Here, from the volcanic ashes, the grapes of Malvasia are cultivated.
Winery la Geria
The Winery la Geria of Lanzarote is a unique place in the world that was built in the late nineteenth century by the Rijo family.
This is where the peasants have been able to transform the ashes of the volcano into a fertile field of cultivation for the vineyard. This is a landscape that produces a singular and unique grape: the Volcanic Malvasia.
The winery is one of the most visited wineries of Spain due to it´s location in a unique and singular place. It´s wines are par excellence of the Island of Lanzarote.
Art and Culture
Lanzarote is an island of inspiration for many artists. César Manrique is the reference of art of the Island.
Sustainability
Lanzarote has been working for years on the development of a Tourism product based on Sustainability and Responsability.
As a result, in 2015 the island managed to be the first destination worldwide certified by Biosphere Responsible Tourism.
In 1993, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Sources:
https://turismolanzarote.com/descubre-lanzarote/sostenibillidad/
https://www3.gobiernodecanarias.org/medusa/wiki/index.php?title=La_Geria
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanzarote_(vino)
https://www.lageria.com/bodega-la-geria/
Vinos de Lanzarote: el tesoro de La Geria
