# El Grifo Malvasía Volcánica Colección Seco (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodegas El Grifo S.A.
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malvasía Volcánica
- **Region:** Canary Islands, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 7–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apricot, peach, grapefruit, lemon, bread dough, biscuit, honey, almond

## About this wine

El Grifo Colección Seco is a white wine from the D.O. Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, produced by Bodegas El Grifo S.A., the oldest winery in the region, founded in 1775. The wine is made from 100% Malvasía Volcánica grapes, cultivated on pre-phylloxera vines aged 40-60 years. These vines are grown in the island's distinctive volcanic sand and soil, often in protected holes known as 'chabocos' and shielded by dry-stone walls. The wine is considered a flagship offering from the winery, embodying its long history and connection to the unique Lanzarote terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Founded in 1775, El Grifo is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands.
- Vines are planted in volcanic sand, in individual holes called 'chabocos'.
- The winery's emblem is a griffin, symbolizing strength and vision.
- This wine is 100% Malvasía Volcánica, a unique island grape.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and minerality cut through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its subtle fruit notes complement lighter poultry and vegetable dishes. It also pairs well with the tanginess of fresh cheeses.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for El Grifo Colección Seco begins with hand-harvested Malvasía Volcánica grapes, with careful control of fruit maturity. The must is cooled to 16°C before fermentation in stainless steel tanks using selected native yeasts. The wine is kept slightly cloudy at 16°C until bottling to preserve its aromas. A micro-oxygenation process is utilized, and the wine is aged on its lees for several weeks to develop its character.