Zocos, La Geria, Lanzarote
La Geria is a wine-growing area in Lanzarote. These circular constructions - called zocos in Spanish - are used to protect the vines from the prevailing northeast trade winds. The black volcanic cinders - or picón as it is known on Lanzarote - absorb moisture from the air, release it to the roots of the vines and help to reduce evaporation. The picón also acts as a weed barrier and prevents erosion caused by the strong winds. Most of Lanzarote's wine production (about 75%) is devoted to the Malvasia grape (Malmsey) which is used to produce sweet and dessert wines. However, we enjoyed a relatively dry white wine made, surprisingly, from Malvasia. And you can also get red Lanzarote wines; we sampled some tasty ones made from the Listos grape.
Zocos, La Geria, Lanzarote
La Geria is a wine-growing area in Lanzarote. These circular constructions - called zocos in Spanish - are used to protect the vines from the prevailing northeast trade winds. The black volcanic cinders - or picón as it is known on Lanzarote - absorb moisture from the air, release it to the roots of the vines and help to reduce evaporation. The picón also acts as a weed barrier and prevents erosion caused by the strong winds. Most of Lanzarote's wine production (about 75%) is devoted to the Malvasia grape (Malmsey) which is used to produce sweet and dessert wines. However, we enjoyed a relatively dry white wine made, surprisingly, from Malvasia. And you can also get red Lanzarote wines; we sampled some tasty ones made from the Listos grape.