La Gomera (DO)
La Gomera is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines that covers the entire island of La Gomera (Canary Islands, Spain) comprising the six municipalities of San Sebastián de la Gomera, Hermigua, Agulo, Vallehermoso, Valle Gran Rey and Alajeró. It obtained its official status in 2003.
Climate and Geography
La Gomera is a very mountainous island and cultivation of vines is difficult and laborious. The vines are planted in terraces on steep slopes with walls built of stone. Traditionally the vines were left to grow along the ground, but vines have been trained along trellises (en espaldera).
Vineyards and Wineries
There are currently (as of 2004) around 100 ha planted to vines and registered with the Regulatory Council of the DO and around 150 grapegrowers and 7 wineries registered.
Grapes
Preferred varieties:
- Red: Forastera negra or Listán negro, Negramoll, Tintilla, Malvasía Rosada and Castellana negra
- White: Malvasía, Gual, Marmajuelo or Bermejuela, Vijariego, Albillo, Moscatel Alejandría and Forastera blanca
Also authorized:
- Red: Moscatel negra, Vijariego negro, Baboso negro.
- White: Listán blanco, Torrontés, Pedro Ximenes and Baboso blanco.
The Regulatory Council also controls other criteria such as:
- Maximum authorized planning density: 4,000 vines/ha
- Maximum authorized must yield: 70%
External links
- http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/boc/2003/243/002.html (only Spanish)
- http://www.bodegacanaria.com/reportajes22.htm (only Spanish)