The 2000-Year History of Balearic Island Wine Making

Balearic island wine making is a passionate affair. Resulting in confident wines that are growing in stature across Europe and beyond.

The climate of the Mediterranean is perfect for growing wine. So, it is no surprise to learn wine Balearic Island wine making dates to 121 BC. The Romans cultivated the original vines. And wine produced in Mallorca was amongst the best in Europe at the time.

From global leader to devastation

Production peaked between 1865 and 1890 when phylloxera destroyed production in France. The demand for imported wine from Spain increased before the disease hit the islands in 1891. This resulted in major hardship and provoked mass emigration from the affected areas.

It was 80 years before a revival in quality wine production began on the islands. This sparked a new golden era of cultivation that has become an obsession for the new breed of wine makers.

Denominaciónes de origen

Mallorca is home to the two denominated regions, Binissalem and Plà i Llevant. There are six other regions across the island with IGP / Vinos de la Tierra status.

The Binissalem denomination sits near Binissalem in central Majorca, northeast of Palma. It is an elevated region with altitudes up to 300m above sea level. The vines get protection from the winter sea winds from the Sierra de Alfabia Mountains to the north. The loose soil features lime over clay and has high water retention.

Pla i Llevant means “plain and east coast” in Catalan. The vineyards nestle in Felanitx and Manacor and stretch from the centre to the east of the island. The vines are 100m above sea level. The clay and limestone-rich soil above lime-bearing rocks give good drainage. The soils are either red due to iron oxide, or white due to calcium carbonate and magnesium. The areas received upgraded to DO status in 2021.

Grape varieties in Balearic Island wine making

Red grapes include Manto negro, Callet, Tempranillo, Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Manto negro is the most popular variety. Its distinctive character is present in at least 30% of the wines produced.

White varieties used are Moll (Prensal Blanc), Macabeo, Parellada, Chardonnay and Moscatel. Moll is the native variety and features in white and sparkling wines. These wines must contain at least 50% of the grape.

Like Balearic Island cuisine, the wines offer something a little different from the mainland. Have you discovered wine from the island yet?

Image: Bodegues Castell Miquel