Delicious drops from the bodegas of the island

On Mallorca, wine has been pressed for over two millennia. But especially in recent years, the island has become a truly good address for the grape juice. This is because Mallorcan winemakers focus on quality and very much on indigenous grape varieties: an auspicious mix. After all, the autochthonous grapes bring that unique Mallorca taste to the glass. There are now over 100 bodegas on the island, including a number of organic wineries. And it continues: new wineries are being opened all the time.

Mallorca's first designation of origin for wine: D.O. Binissalem

Now Mallorca has several designations of origin for wine. The pioneer in the matter of "protected designation of origin" was the Denominaciónde Origen (D.O.) Binissalem in the heart of the island. It was in 1988 when winegrowers from Binissalem and the surrounding area joined forces. Binissalem, Santa Maria del Camí, Sencelles, Consell, Santa Eugènia - this is anyway a region with a very great wine tradition.

Good conditions for viticulture

For good reason: the conditions there for the cultivation of vines are ideal. The climate is Mediterranean, with dry, hot summers and short, mild winters. The Tramuntana mountains protect against the cold north winds. The vines thrive at altitudes between 75 and 200 meters above sea level. The soil is rich in calcium. It is a good thing that calcium is one of the most important nutrients for the growth of the vine.

Accolade for Mallorcan wines

In short, the area is an ideal spot for growing a good droplet. This has been impressively proven by the winegrowers. Wine experts such as the famous U.S. wine critic Robert Parker or his Spanish counterpart José Peñin rate the wines from the region in part with well over 90 (of 100 possible) points. This is tantamount to a knighthood.

75 percent Tintos

Currently, twelve wineries are united in the D.O. Binissalem united. Together they cultivate an area of just under 240 hectares and produce a total of around 800,000 liters of wine per year. That is over 1 million bottles annually, of which about 75 percent are red wines.

From Mantonegro to Syrah

Now the rules in a D.O. are quite strict. For one thing, only certain grape varieties may be cultivated. On the other hand, the harvest quantity per hectare is limited. The following grape varieties are permitted for red wine: Mantonegro, Callet, Tempranillo, Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Gorgollassa. And for white wines, only Prensal Blanc (also called Moll), Parellada, Macabeo, Moscatel de Alejandria, Moscatel de grano menudo, Chardonnay and recently GiróRos may be used.

It sparkles in Mallorca

It goes without saying that only the above-mentioned grape varieties may be used for rosés and sparkling wines. On Mallorca, there are several winemakers who successfully produce sparkling wines. The Mallorcans call the refreshing sparkling wines "Víescumós" or "Ancestral".

Wines with regional character

And the regulations go further: to give the wines their very own regional character, they must contain 30 percent of the autochthonous grape variety Mantonegro. From Mantonegro, the winegrowers press elegant, not too heavy droplets. But it is also often part of cuvées made in Mallorca.

Beautiful fruity notes, light spicy tones

Although the grape variety does not have an intense, deep red color, it has seductive, beautiful fruity notes, light spicy tones and hints of caramel.

Green apples, apricots and a delicate almond nuance

The Blancos, in turn, must contain half Moscatel (Muscatel) or be made from 50 percent of the indigenous Prensal Blanc variety. The typical Mallorcan Prensal Blanc presents nuances of green apples, apricots and dried fruit and does not miss a delicate, very interesting touch of bitter almonds. Wine from Mallorca is simply a pleasure.