📍 El Hierro

El Hierro is the smallest and westernmost of the Canary Islands. It belongs to Spain and lies in the Atlantic Ocean not far from Africa. The island is volcanic, with steep slopes, lava fields and pine forests. UNESCO has declared it a biosphere reserve. The island covers about 270 square kilometres, so vineyards are few. Vineyards are few and lie on terraces and slopes, often at a few hundred metres, where it is cooler.

The island has its own appellation, DO El Hierro. Mostly white wines are made, as well as reds, rosés and small amounts of sweet wine. Whites are fresh, with high acidity and citrus scents and a mineral note from the volcanic soil. Canarian grapes are common: Listán Blanco, Vijariego, Baboso Negro and others. Palomino grows here too.

Wine on El Hierro is made in small batches, and most of it stays on the island.

For comparison with its neighbours: to the east lie La Gomera, Tenerife and La Palma, where wine is made on a larger scale, for example DO Tacoronte-Acentejo on Tenerife, and to the north-east in the ocean, Madeira.