The Islands – Canaries

The Canaries in the Atlantic, and the Balearics in the middle of the Mediterranean are two groups of Spanish islands that enjoy relatively moderate temperatures. Though far away and off the coast of Africa, the Canaries are part of Spain and part of Spanish and American history. Known also as “the important port on the long voyage to America”, the archipelago was a perfect source for sugarcane, the same that Columbus brought to the Americas for rum. Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is the site of Spain’s highest mountain and of most of the island’s vineyards are grown on these fertile, volcanic soils. For such a small island, relatively speaking, there are a great number of DOs, most are very interesting, but not all of the wines are available on the US market or worldwide.