Wine Tasting On The Island Of Mallorca In Spain

Forbes

29-04-2025

The Beautiful Island of Mallorca Spain Has Over 100 Wineries
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Mallorca, a sun-drenched Spanish island in the Mediterranean, has been producing wine for more than 2,000 years. Like other European wine-growing regions, its vineyards were ravaged by phylloxera in the late 19th century. It took a while for the industry to re-establish itself, but today, there are over 100 wineries flourishing on the island.
Many of Mallorca's wineries are small family-run operations, and therefore, going wine-tasting on the island does take some planning. Recently, I had a chance to visit several 'bodegas' while on vacation and was not only enchanted by wines made from unique grapes not found anywhere else in the world, but also by the passion of the wine professionals.
For wine lovers, one of the greatest joys is the opportunity to sample a wine made from a unique grape that isn't readily found in other locations. Though Mallorca still grows the ubiquitous chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon found in different parts of the world, it has seven indigenous grapes, of which three are the most cultivated:
Manto Negro – a red grape that produces very fragrant fuller-bodied wines with notes of mixed berries, red plum, spice and a hint of black pepper. The wines generally have soft smooth tannins, and are often blended with cabernet sauvignon, syrah and/or merlot.
Callet - a red grape that produces medium-bodied wines with notes of red cherry, minerals and herbs. It usually has light silky tannins and boasts a higher acidity. Callet is also blended with other red grapes, and can be used to produce rosé wines.
Moll – a white grape that produces fragrant floral wines with refreshing lemon and lime notes. It is frequently blended with chardonnay. Also called Presnal Blanc.
'Mallorca is the only place that grows the Moll and Manto Negro grapes we use in our wines,' stated Toni Mateu Vera, hospitality director and retail manager with Bodegas Miquel Gelabert, when I stopped by to visit. 'They are two of our most important grapes.'
Other lesser-known local grapes include Escurçac, Giró Ros, Fogoneu and Gorgollasa.
A Glass of White Wine Made from the Moll Grape on Mallorca
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The island also has two official appellations, or Denominations of Origin (DO), as they are referred to in Spain. These are the Binissalem DO, established in 1991, which is the largest of the two, and Pla i Llevant DO created in 2001.
To become a DO the government of Spain must approve the region as having special characteristics, including adherence to growing specific grape varietals and following regulated viticulture practices.
In addition, there are three IGP regions (Protected Geographical Indications): Vi de la Terra Illes Balears, Vi de la Terra Serra de Tramuntana-Costa Nord, and the larger island IGP of Vi de la Terra Mallorca.
The Mediterranean climate with its hot dry summers and cool rainy winters are ideal for grape-growing. Likewise, the limestone and clay soil in the vineyards, along with the protecting mountain ranges on the north side of the island creates unique microclimates for the grapes.
A Map of the Major Wine Regions of Mallorca, Spain
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Perhaps because of the smaller size of many of the wineries, it takes some advance planning to go winetasting on Mallorca. Following are a few tips to help you plan for a day or longer of winetasting on the beautiful island.
Several tour companies schedule winery visits and provide transportation so you don't need to worry about driving. Some options to consider are: Mallorca Wine Tours and Cellar Tours of Mallorca, along with both TripAdvisor and Viator who have lists of 8 to 10 different wine tours on their sites. Tours range from $25 to $120 per person. The majority depart from Palma, the capital city, which is only about a 30-minute drive to wineries in the Binissalem DO or 45 minute drive to wineries near the Pla i Llevant DO.
Most of the Mallorcan wineries (called 'bodegas,' which means 'cellar') will have a contact page on their website to reserve a private tour and tasting of one to two hours in length. These usually cost around $30 per person, but can be higher depending on the length of the tour and the number of wines tasted.
A great place to get started is the Mallorca Wine Trail website, which provides directions and contact information for more than 100 wineries. Also, the 2024 book entitled Mallorca & Wine: The Bodegas and Their Stories, provides an excellent overview of the wineries on the island, including beautiful photographs. It also provides recommendations on restaurants that have the best local wine lists.
Renting a car and driving around the island is relatively easy, but it is important to appoint a designated driver as the drunk driving laws in Mallorca are strictly enforced.
A few wineries to consider visiting are: Vins Miquel Gelabert, Anima Negra, Binigrau, Bodegas Macia Batle, and Nadal, as well as the two listed in the next section.
A Flight of Wines Made from Mallorcan Grapes at Jose J. Ferrer Winery
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A few of the larger wineries, such as Bodegas Ribas and Bodegas Jose J. Ferrer, allow visitors to drop in without an appointment and pay for a flight of wines. The prices are usually quite affordable, and range from only $10 to $20 euros per person for 4 to 6 wines, including crackers or another small snack.
When I visited Bodega Jose. J. Ferrer without an appointment, I was welcomed warmly by Yvonne, the hospitality rep. She explained the tasting options, and then spent a lot of time describing the wines, winemaking and vineyards.
'We are always very busy,' she said, 'with many visitors and events.' She mentioned that they frequently host weddings, as well as corporate meetings. The tasting room is brightly lit with tasteful displays of wines and other merchandise, along with multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas for sampling wine.
Mallorcan cuisine is delicious and heavily focused on seafood, though there are also excellent pork and lamb dishes. Given the strong gastronomy heritage of Spain and pride in local ingredients, almost every restaurant offers local wines, as well as bars and other retail locations. These can be purchased by the glass or bottle, and are another great opportunity to enjoy wines from Mallorca.
Steep Mountains of Mallorca Create Microclimates for Grape Growing
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Over 12 million tourists visit Mallorca every year, according to Road Genius. They are drawn there by the magnificent cove beaches, stunning mountains, excellent food and historical sites. The weather is also a huge attraction, with plenty of sunshine and warmth in the summer and early autumn months.
Some of the top activities and destinations include: 1) exploring historic Palma and the famous gothic Cathedral of Palma started in 1229; 2) boating or sailing to hidden cove beaches; 3) visiting the mountain-top villages of Soller, Deia, and Valldemossa; 4) exploring the Caves of Drach; 5) swimming and snorkeling, and 6) enjoying local food and wine, and many other activities.
The very steep and windy mountain roads, such as the famous Sa Calobra (Snake Road) are also very popular with bikers, hikers, and those who enjoy driving through such magnificent scenery.
The Magnificent Cathedral of Palma, on the Island of Mallorca in Spain
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