DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora – Volcanic wineries

LOCATION AND HISTORY

The wineries of the Canary Islands are part of more than a dozen Designations of Origin, including the DO Ycoden Daute Isora, sometimes also known as DO Tenerife. The western end of the island of Tenerife was defined as a Designation of Origin in 1994, revitalizing a very old and traditional wine-growing area of small vineyards with steep terraces, which takes its name from the first kingdoms and domains Guanches. Currently, the DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora covers nine municipalities, including Icod de los Vinos in the North and Guía de Isora in the South.

SOILS

Vines of Tenerife wines are planted at different densities and trained in different ways, depending on the terrain. The soils are largely sandy and volcanic along the coast. The vineyards rise up the slopes of the Mount Teide, with altitudes ranging from 50 to 1,400 meters. The best terrain for vineyards is at higher altitudes, although it allows little mechanization.

CLIMATE

The Ycoden vineyards are located in one of the warmest areas on the island, although winter temperatures can drop to almost zero. The rainfall remains relatively high thanks to the hillsides facing west. The climate is determined by the influence of winds, which blow from the North Atlantic and reach the islands with high humidity. Its effect is particularly noticeable on the islands with the highest relief, such as Tenerife, which has very curious characteristics for its latitude.

TYPE OF GRAPE

The grapes grown in Ycoden are mostly autochthonous varieties, there are more than 20. The DO is especially known for its excellent white wines, made from Listán Blanco, which represents 70% of the vineyards. The Black List covers 20% and is used to make reds, which are sometimes also made from Tintilla. Research on other displaced varieties aims to curb the predominance of Listán, and for this there are experimental plantations of Ruby Cabernet.