Wine & Spirits

Mallorca's wine scene has undergone a quiet revolution over the past two decades. From mass production of cheap country wines, the island has evolved into one of Spain's most exciting wine regions.

Growing Regions

Mallorca has two protected designations of origin (Denominacion de Origen): DO Binissalem in the center of the island (around the towns of Binissalem, Santa Maria del Cami, and Consell) and DO Pla i Llevant in the east and southeast. In addition, there are numerous wineries with the designation Vi de la Terra Mallorca (IGP), which are often just as high-quality but more flexible in grape variety selection.

Grape Varieties

The special feature of Mallorcan wine is the autochthonous grape varieties that exist nowhere else:

• Manto Negro — the most important red grape variety, producing elegant, medium-bodied red wines with notes of red fruits and spices
• Callet — an old red variety that produces powerful, tannin-rich wines — often referred to as "Mallorca's answer to Tempranillo"
• Prensal Blanc (also Moll) — the main white grape variety, producing fresh, floral white wines with nice acidity
• Fogoneu — for light, fruity rosés

In addition, international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay are grown and often blended with local varieties.

Recommended Wineries

Bodega Ribas (Consell, since 1711 — the oldest winery on the island!), Jose L. Ferrer (Binissalem), Anima Negra (Felanitx — cult winery!), Macia Batle (Santa Maria), Mesquida Mora (Porreres, biodynamic) and Bodegas Can Majoral (Algaida). Most offer tours and tastings — often for €10–25 including tapas.

Hierbas & Palo

Hierbas is THE Mallorcan digestif: an anise-based herbal liqueur, flavored with rosemary, chamomile, lemon peel, and various local herbs. It comes in three varieties: seca (dry), mezclada (semi-sweet), and dolca (sweet). Every bar in Mallorca has a bottle — often homemade.

Palo is a bitter liqueur made from cinchona bark and gentian, dark brown and tart — typically Mallorcan, an aperitif that is drunk with soda water or neat.