Palma de Mallorca, 18th Aug 09

MALLORCA'S IDEAL WEATHER CONDITIONS PROMISES A GOOD HARVEST THIS YEAR

All the island's bodegas are reporting ideal conditions for excellent grape quality and increased production.

This year’s mild winter and exceptionally warm spring and dry summer has provided ideal growing conditions. Harvesting has already started on the island and will continue through to the end of September. All the growers are reporting a good level of production (approximately 10% up on last year) but more importantly excellent grape quality. There are two main wine growing areas on Mallorca with a D.O. (designation of origin which were created in 1991) and these are Binissalem and Pla i Llevant.

The D.O Binissalem, located in the centre of the island, includes the villages of Santa Maria, Santa Eugenia, Scencelles and Binissalem where the Tramuntana Mountains protect the area from cold northerly winds helping to create a mild microclimate with hot, dry summers and short winters.


Binissalem’s Wine Harvest Fiesta

The Binissalem “Vermada” (wine harvest) and fiestas are legendary and this year will take place on September 25th-26- 27th. A full programme of activities where a traditional broth with pasta (Fideus de Vermar) is prepared and drunk with plenty of the local wine. Further details: www.ajbinissalem.net.

The Binissalem DO covers red, rosé, white and sparkling wines that are mainly made with the local Manto Negro and Moll grape varieties. The reds have a high alcohol content, strong full-bodied personality and careful balance, suitable for maturing into “crianza” wines. The whites are distinctive, delicate, fruity wines.

New Wine Guide

Now published in English “Wine Guide” concentrates on Binissalem DO wine growing region. Packed with useful information, it lists full details of all the bodegas in the area and their corresponding wine routes, walks, restaurants, markets, and points of interest in the main villages and towns. Furthermore, all of the bodegas are happy to welcome visitors and list public opening hours or a telephone number to organise a time. Priced at €6 and available at local book shops and newsstands throughout the island.

The area of the Pla i Llevant DO is one of the most traditional winegrowing areas, because vines have been grown there since the Roman occupation of the island. The area covers the towns of Algaida, Ariany, Artà, Campos, Capdepera, Felanitx, Llucmajor, Manacor, Maria de la Salut, Montuïri, Muro, Petra, Porreres, Sant Joan, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Santa Margalida, Sineu and Vilafranca de Bonany.

In recent years new grape varieties have been introduced in this area including Macabeo, Parellada, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Merlot and Monastrel which are being planted to blend with local grape varieties such as Prensal Blanc, Callet, Fogoneu and Manto Negro. Six wine varieties are classified by the DO: reds, whites, rosé, sparkling, light sparkling and fortified.

Over the past 20 years Mallorcan bodegas have been making important strides in the island’s wine production, not only in terms of land devoted to the production of vines, but also in terms of quality. Today, there are approximately 60 bodegas around the island which produce over 300 different types of wine.

Around 60% of the island’s wine production is sold and consumed locally and as land is at such a premium on Mallorca it cannot compete with the mainland’s large wine producing areas. However, it can compete on quality and in recent years, Mallorcan wines have won prizes nationally and internationally.

Wine Tour

In response to the increased interest in the local wine production, award winning British sommelier, Carol Forrest, is organising wine tours of the island for visitors, which are aimed at anyone with an interest in wine. The price of
€ 96 + VAT per person includes, transport, wine sampling and lunch.
Further information: www.majorcawinetour.com or Tel: + 34 971 495 422

For general information on the island’s bodegas and gastronomy please go to:
www.balearsculturaltour.es

For further information, please contact:
Mallorca Tourist Board, Dominique Carroll / Anna Skidmore,
Tel:(+34) 971 725 396 Fax: (+34) 971 713 540
E-Mail: info@fomentmallorca.org

Further Press Releases:

GOOD NEWS FOR MALLORCA IN 2012 (09th Feb 12)

THREE KINGS - THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE! (05th Jan 12)

FESTIVE SWEETS CAN BE HEAVENLY (05th Jan 12)