Mallorca regional wines
Proof has been found of links between Mallorca and wine back in the 6th and 7th centuries BC: a period with which a multitude of drinking vessels and other clay recipients have been associated, used for trading wine in the Mediterranean. Nonetheless, it seems that vines were not introduced to the island and grown there until its occupation by the Romans.
Thanks to the more lavish attention that was given to the vines and investment into technology by wineries, this was one of the Mallorcan wine trade’s finest moments. Nowadays Mallorcan wines have distinctive characteristics, high quality standards and an acknowledged personality that have aroused praise among experts. The island’s winemakers continue to strive to make Mallorca one of the most exclusive producers of fine wines. On April 13th 2007 an order was published by the Balearic Councillor for Agriculture and Fisheries recognizing and regulating the use of the geographical indication “Mallorca” for wines produced in Mallorca which are entitled to the traditional description “regional wines”.
The Geographical and Climatic Setting The area where grapes are grown, transformed into “Mallorcan regional wine” and bottled covers all Mallorca’s municipalities. Only wines that are bottled in the production area and made exclusively with grapes grown in Mallorca are allowed to use this description. Geographically, the island of Mallorca is organized into five areas: the Serra de Tramuntana mountains (with the highest peaks offering shelter from the northwest wind), El Raiguer, El Pla, the Serra de Llevant mountains (with lower peaks) and El Migjorn. The Mallorcan climate is typically Mediterranean, with very high temperatures in summer (over 30 ºC) and moderately low ones in winter (rarely falling below 5 ºC).
In the winter months, snow usually falls on the highest slopes of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Generally speaking, the level of humidity is very high. The island’s rainfall, which tends to be accompanied by storms, is mainly concentrated in the autumn months.
Grape Varieties Reds Callet Manto Negro Cabernet Sauvignon Fogoneu Merlot Monastrell Syrah Tempranillo Pinot Noir Whites Prensal (Moll) Chardonnay Macabeo Malvasía Alexandria Muscatel Muscat de Frontignan Parellada Riesling Sauvignon Blanc The Wines’
Characteristics Wines identified as “Mallorcan regional wines” are clear wines with marked aromas that identify the grape varieties with which they are made.
The whites range from pale yellow to golden in colour. They are aromatic with predominant aromas of fruit and/or flowers, with a well-balanced, fresh, full flavour. The rosés range from pale pink to orangey pink. They are bright and transparent with predominant primary aromas.
The reds are dark and rich in tannins, with a strong aroma characterized by the presence of red fruit. In the mouth, they are full bodied and well balanced.
Minimum alcohol content: White wines 10.5º
Rosé wines 11.0º
Red wines 11.5º
System of Control All bottles described as “Mallorcan regional wine” must have an official control number issued by the Directorate General for Agriculture, the body responsible for controlling and certifying “Mallorcan regional wines”.
Link DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN
http://www.illesbalearsqualitat.es/ibqfront/denominacio/llistat?lang=uk&idDr=331