Mallorca’s grape harvest tends to begin in September, even though some years, if the temperatures are very high, it can be as early as August.
High temperatures accelerate the ripening process, this implies an increase in the alcohol level as well as a loss of juice. Normally in Mallorca, the harvest begins with the Chardonnay grape, then the local varieties and finally the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The local black grapes are: Manto Negro, Callet, Fogoneu, Prensall Blanc, Giró Ros and Gorgollassa. In recent times some Majorcan bodegas have once again started growing vines native to the island, like Escursac, white Vinater, black Vinater and Argamussa.
Wines made with Majorcan grapes and bottled within the production area have the right to be called “Vi de la Terra” (Wine from the land) of Mallorca. There are also two designations of origin: D.O. Binnisalem and D.O Pla I Llevant.
In the 90’s a remodelling of the winemaking sector on the island took place, making it more professional and the bodegas took on some excellent winemakers, the result: some great quality wines.
