Wine in Mallorca: Making Wine in Majorca
also see Vineyards in Mallorca: Wine Estates in Majorca

Mallorcan Wine

Wine making has been part of the culture of Mallorcan living for centuries (and yep, it was those ubiquitous Romans again who first brought vines to the island). The industry prospered from the 14^th century right up until the end of the 19^th century, when the vines were attached by a plague of phylloxera. The wine industry was wiped out, and much of the agricultural land was replanted with almonds. A small number of vines were re-introduced but only enough for local consumption. During the 20^th century, the wines produced on the island lacked finesse, and a great deal of the wine consumed in Mallorca was imported from mainland Spain.

However, during the 1990’s, a group of determined local winemakers decided to invest in their businesses in order to improve the quality of the wine. This included such measures as better planting of popular grape varieties (like merlot, carbernet sauvignon, syrah, chardonnay and viognier), the use of stainless steel tanks and equipment, good irrigation systems and greater use of oak barrels. The traditional grape of the island is Monastrell, which in itself isn’t the best single varietal red wine, but when it is blended with other grapes, the results can be superb (think wines from Bordeaux). The white wines and roses have also drastically improved in quality, and all three sell at very competitive prices when compared to Rioja or Crianza from the mainland.

Vine-growers throughout the island have continued their quest for high standards and in 2007, a quality standard was introduced by the Balearic Councillor for Agriculture and Fisheries, which can only be used by wines grown, produced and bottled in Mallorca. Similar to the French AOC designation, the ‘Denominacio d'Origen’ classification ensures the quality of Mallorcan wines. White wines vary from pale yellow to golden in colour, and are fresh and well-balanced with fruity or floral aromas. The rosés range from pale pink to a deeper orangey/red colour, and are fresh and spirited! The red wines tend to be pretty hefty – full bodied I believe the term is. But they are also rich and earthy, complex and well rounded. Yum. Whilst the quality of the wines has improved enormously, the quantity has not – you will still find it almost impossible to buy Mallorcan wine outwith the island.

The main wine producing areas are around Binissalem (central, on the road from Palma to Inca), Pla & LLevent (central & eastern Mallorca), and around the Tramuntana Mountain range (up the west coast). See here for a map of the island.

Wines from Binissalem

Binissalem is the best known region in Mallorca for wine production. It is here that the re-birth of the industry began in the 1990’s. The controlling body dictates that wine with a Binissalem DO (quality standard) must contain at least 30% of the Manto Negro grape for red wine, and at least 50% of Moll or Moscatel grapes in the white wines. Approximately 75% of the wine produced here is red, of which the most popular is Crianza. This wine is smooth and elegant, and is matured in oak barrels. The nature of the Manto Negro grape makes a medium bodied red wine with fruity aromas. For the whites, the Moll grape creates fresh wines with hints of green apples and nuts, that have a good balance between sweetness and acidity. Sparkling wine and rose are also produced in this region. For information on wineries and bodegas in this area, contact the Binissalem Denominacio d’Origen.

Wines from Pla & LLevant

This area is where the first vines were grown back in Roman times. Both single variety and blends are made here, with the Chardonnay, Moscatell, Moll, Macabeo and Parellada grapes taking centre-stage. The pure Chardonnay wines have typical tropical fruit and vanilla flavours, whilst the Moscatell wines are more floral. The reds are blended to give a variety of complex and fruity wines, that have low levels of tannins and are therefore fresher than their western counterparts. Semi-sparkling wines and liqueur wines are also produced in this region. For information on wineries in this area, contact the Pla i Llevant Denominacio d’Origen.

Wines from Serra de Tramuntana & Costa Nord

The mountains create a microclimate for vineyards in this region which means that the resulting wines are distinctive to this area. The white wines tend to favour the Malvasia grape (produces fresh dry white wine with aromas of pear and melon) and the Chardonnay grape (aromatic and well-rounded with tropical fruit aromas).  The reds produced here are traditionally single varietal made from the Cabernet Sauvignon or the Merlot grape. They tend to be full bodied with aromas of cherries and plums, and are suitable for aging. Whilst there is no 'DO' classification for these wines, they are quality controlled by the ‘Mallorca Regional Wine’ designation.

Vineyards to visit in Mallorca

There are plenty of vineyards in Mallorca that welcome visitors throughout the year. Some offer guided tours and most will offer tastsings (generally by appointment). All of course will sell you wine directly!