Duke World: Unique Vineyards of Lanzarote, Spain

Unique Vineyards of Lanzarote, Spain

Lanzarote Vineyards — It is absolutely incredible creation of human-hands. Colossal work of people in love with their deserted volcanic island. Lanzarote, the Canary Island, which is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 120 Kilometers off the coast of Africa. The island was discovered in 1312, by the Italian navigator Malosello Lanselloti, after whom the island was named. Lanzarote was formed after a volcanic eruption 15 million years ago. On its 860 square kilometer in area is three hundred Volcanoes. Over millions of years, their activity has created a unique fantastic relief resembling lunar landscapes. On the island is almost no rain, the weather is dry and hot. The entire island is composed of volcanic rock and sand. But despite this, there is growing grapes used to make great wine. Lanzarote was in fact the last of the Canary Islands to produce commercial wine and since 1775 they have continued to grow the vines in the unique traditional manor. Successfully engaged in agriculture was made impossible, Thanks to incredible ingenuity of the locals, though it cost them a huge labor.

Image credit Stéphane Neckebrock

Totally unique method was devised for the cultivation of grapes and other crops. Each vine is planted in the crated diameter of abut five miters and a depth of about one meter. This well is surrounded by a half-meter wall of stone, lined industrious islanders. The wall is designed to protect the plant from the wind, this wall is called Zocos. But this is not the biggest problem. Vineyards requires a lots of moisture, and thus on Lazarote even light rain — A rare visitors. And as without water, on the slopes, on the rocks almost manages to cultivate a quality of vine? And sometimes unfriendly to farmers island nature provides the necessary perfect natural complex: sea sunlight, mineral-rich soil and natural irrigation system !! Fly-out night dew is well absorbed and retained volcanic soil. Salty sear air created mineral-rich moisture, imparting a unique flavor grown grapes from which produce amazing to taste wines of Lanzarote.

Image credit rainerwonisch

Pit located with net precision, create amazing some unearthly landscape. If the soil is brown its look like a planet Mars. Now Lanzarote about 2000 hectares of Vineyards, mostly they are concentrated in the center and south of the island around the natural park of La Geria. From grapes harvested produce about two million liters of wine per year. Given the small area of the island, its not enough. Lanzarote is something to see. So just one day on the island, will brings a lot of positive emotion and leave a lot of pleasant memories.