History of Malvasia

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History of Malvasia Wine

In 1573, the Cortes of Madrid presented Philip II with a report on the abandonment of sugar cane and the flourishing state of the wine trade in the Canary Islands. At this time there is an extraordinary demand for Malvasia wine, whose trade becomes the main source of income for the archipelago for almost three centuries. Navigators, pirates and corsairs, some of whom attacked island ports with the sole objective of obtaining their wines, are proclaiming the excellence of their Malvasias throughout the world.

A highlight of this period are the famous return wines, which traveled first to America, to later return and, once agitated by the oceans that improved and aged more quickly, to be sold in European markets, where they were highly appreciated.

As a trace of the splendid past and a reflection of the wealth that, during the 16th and 17th centuries, the wine trade with America and Europe promoted on the island of Tenerife, luxury furniture and civil and religious buildings built in these years, as well as innumerable literary quotes from relevant authors of the time who sang to the advance of the Canarian Malvasia.

That the Malvasia de Tenerife was considered one of the best, if not the best, in the world, is proven by the fact that the official poet of the English Court, William Shakespeare, annually receives a barrel of this Tenerife wine as part of his salary.

Shakespeare repeatedly praises our Malvasia and becomes, not only his undisputed champion, but also his greatest propagandist. His characters from “King Henry IV“, “Twelfth Night or however you want” or “The Merry Wives of Windsor” savor the “…Canarias, wonderfully penetrating wine that perfumes the blood”.

And there must have been something in that wine that exalted inspiration and satisfied the literary muses, when many other authors, such as Walter Scott, Alexis, Kuprin, Percy Shelley, John Keats, Goldoni, also attest to their preferences through their works. Gongora, Maine Red, and Jose Spillman.

That the Malvasia de Tenerife was considered one of the best, if not the best, in the world, is proven by the fact that the official poet of the English Court, William Shakespeare, annually receives a barrel of this Tenerife wine as part of his salary.

Shakespeare repeatedly praises our Malvasia and becomes, not only his undisputed champion, but also his greatest propagandist. His characters from “King Henry IV“, “Twelfth Night or however you want” or “The Merry Wives of Windsor” savor the “…Canarias, wonderfully penetrating wine that perfumes the blood”.

And there must have been something in that wine that exalted inspiration and satisfied the literary muses, when many other authors, such as Walter Scott, Alexis, Kuprin, Percy Shelley, John Keats, Goldoni, also attest to their preferences through their works. Gongora, Maine Red, and Jose Spillman.

Alexander von Humboldt, famous German naturist, was also impressed by the majesty of Tenerife’s vineyards during his short stay on the island in 1799, being reflected in his book “Journey to the Canary Islands“, “… going down to the valley of Tacoronte if you enter in this delightful country of which travelers of all nations have spoken enthusiastically. From Tegueste and Tacoronte to Villa de San Juan de la Rambla and Icod de los Vinos, which are famous for their excellent Malvasia wine, the coast is cultivated like a garden. The hills are cultivated with vineyards that tend to their shoots and very high vines.

But the story of our Malvasia wines does not end here. On July 25, 1797, the English squadron, commanded by Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, had tried to sack the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. After an epic and fierce combat, he gives up his attempt, surrendering the forces that had landed in the small city. Peace signed between British and Spanish men of honour, an exchange of gifts takes place between Admiral Nelson and General Gutierrez, defender of the plaza, (cheese and beer by Admiral Nelson and Malvasia de Tenerife by General Gutierrez).