Tea wine from La Palma

Within the Denomination of Origin of Wines of La Palma, in the North sub-zone, the designation 'Vino de Tea' is authorised on the labelling of white, rosé or red wines that acquire their qualities through ageing in wooden containers made from the heart of the 'Pinus canariensis' (tea tree). This gives them their own traditional organoleptic characteristics. The oak or chestnut barrels have traditionally been replaced here by barrels made from this wood.

In the north of La Palma, we can distinguish two areas, the northwest and the northeast. Both differ in terms of viticultural techniques, varieties cultivated, artisanal winemaking techniques, etc. Tea wines are the most traditional in the Northwest region, which includes the municipalities of Garafía, Puntagorda and Tijarafe. It is a very steep hillside, cut by numerous deep ravines, where most of the vineyards are located at high altitudes, between 800 and 1500 metres above sea level. Tea wines are usually made with a mixture of white varieties, such as Listán Blanco and Albillo, which usually ripen earlier and provide the necessary amount of sugar to the blend. The later red variety, Negramoll, provides acidity and some colour. The Prieto and the Muñeco or Almuñeco, are earlier maturing than the previous one and contribute more colouring matter to the tea wines.