Islands through their wines

Wines produced on islands always have something special about them. The sea has a bearing on the climate and the scent and moderating effects of the sea breeze, alongside other factors, can lead to interesting weather conditions and soils producing unique wines. Some island soils are volcanic, which adds a smoky touch to the wines, like the hints of ash so common in wines from the Canary Islands. Most islands usually have a wide range of traditional local grape varieties which are hard to find elsewhere. Manto Negro or Callet grapes from the Balearic Islands, or Sicilian varieties like Grillo and Nero d'Avola are fine examples.

Vines grow excellently in the climates usually found between the lines of latitude 30º and 40º north. Pleasantly mild seasons, enough rainfall, and plentiful sunshine are the perfect recipe for the abundance of vines and other crops thriving in these regions. For this reason, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Sicily, and Sardinia are perfectly placed to make good quality wines. In fact they have been the home to some of the most original wines in the world for centuries now, although their relative isolation from the mainlands means these wines haven't always gained the popularity they deserve.