THE ISLANDS

The Islands of Spain offer some of the most adventurous and distinctive wines in the entire Mediterranean and Atlantic. Split between the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the volcanic Canary Islands far out in the Atlantic, these island vineyards are shaped by sea breezes, ancient soils, and a wealth of local grape varieties that you simply won't find anywhere else on earth.

In the Balearic Islands, particularly on Mallorca, the focus is on rediscovering heritage. Here, winemakers use native grapes like Callet and Manto Negro to produce elegant, medium-bodied reds that are full of floral aromas and red berry fruit. These wines are a perfect reflection of the Mediterranean lifestyle—fresh, stylish, and incredibly food-friendly.

Further south, the Canary Islands provide a completely different experience. This is a dramatic, volcanic landscape where vines are often planted in deep craters or protected by stone walls from fierce Atlantic winds. Because many of these islands were never affected by the vine pests that struck mainland Europe, they are home to incredibly old, ungrafted vines. The wines here, such as those made from the Listán Negro or Listán Blanco grapes, have a unique "smoky" or mineral character that comes directly from the black volcanic ash. For anyone looking to step off the beaten track and try something truly original, the Spanish Islands are a fascinating frontier to explore.