El Grifo, founded in 1775, is the oldest winery on the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. The grape variety Vijariego (pronounced, "vee hah RAY go") is also called Diego. According to Wine Grapes by Robinson, et al, was reported originally in Andalucía and was introduced to the Canary Islands in the late 1400s-early 1500s. It is not as aromatic as other varieties in the Canary Islands like Malvasia Volcanico, but it creates wines with complexity and the ability to age. Pale yellow color and light lemony aromas leading to forward, layered flavors of salty Meyer lemon and green apple, fresh and very lean perfect with a fresh goat cheese or grilled shrimp.
El Grifo, Lanzarote DO (Canary Islands, Spain) Vijariego 2019
By Rebecca Murphy