Mallorcan wines, the liquid soul of the island

We love wine because it’s much more than just a drink: it’s landscape, history, culture, and bottled emotion. If you’re reading this, you probably share that same passion. Today, we invite you to discover a place where winemaking tradition is lived authentically and with its own character: the island of Mallorca. This journey is not just a guide — it’s an immersion into the essence of Mallorcan wine. From native grapes like callet or manto negro to centuries-old wineries and innovative projects, here you’ll find everything you need to understand why Mallorcan wines are conquering the world. We’ll show you the best appellations of origin, which wineries you should know, which red, white and rosé wines you must try, and how wine tourism is experienced among vineyards, the sea and Mediterranean tradition. Get ready to taste with your eyes and discover the liquid soul of a unique land.

Appellations of origin in Mallorca

Mallorca has several quality classifications that protect and regulate its wine production. The appellations of origin are essential to ensure the provenance, the grape varieties used and the winemaking methods, giving confidence both nationally and internationally. They certify the wine’s connection to its territory, its identity and its uniqueness. The three main ones are DO Binissalem, DO Pla i Llevant and the Vi de la Terra Mallorca indication.

A winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times

Wine in Mallorca is not a trend — it’s a legacy. The island’s first documented vines date back to the 1st century BC, during Roman times, when vineyards were already part of the Balearic agricultural landscape. Over the centuries, vine cultivation and winemaking became deeply integrated into the island’s culture, especially in its central regions. During the Middle Ages, Mallorcan wine was traded and used as a tribute, and its quality was recognised far beyond the western Mediterranean.

Although the arrival of phylloxera in the late 19th century wiped out many vineyards, it couldn’t destroy the passion for wine. Many lands were replanted with almond or olive trees, but the viticultural memory endured. The revival would begin years later, with new vines and a renewed commitment to native grape varieties.

The resurgence of Mallorcan wine in the 21st century

The 21st century has witnessed the rebirth of Mallorcan wine. Thanks to the recovery of traditional varieties like manto negro, callet or prensal blanc, and the work of passionate winemakers, Mallorca has gone from a forgotten region to one of the most promising in Spain. Wineries have focused on more careful production, prioritising quality over quantity, using modern techniques that respect the land’s character.

Today, Mallorcan wines win international awards, appear on the wine lists of Michelin-starred restaurants and are exported to demanding markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. This success is no coincidence: it’s the result of combining tradition, innovation and a unique terroir under the Mediterranean sun.

Appellations of origin in Mallorca

DO Binissalem, origins and standout varieties

The Binissalem appellation of origin was the first to be officially recognised in Mallorca, in 1990. It covers five municipalities in the centre of the island: Binissalem, Santa Maria del Camí, Consell, Sencelles and Santa Eugènia. This area, protected by the Serra de Tramuntana, benefits from stony soils and a Mediterranean climate that’s ideal for viticulture.

The most representative red grapes are manto negro, callet and gorgollassa, while the dominant whites are prensal blanc (moll) and giró ros. The combination of these native varieties with international ones such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot or syrah allows for wines with identity, structure and elegance. Binissalem reds are known for their deep colour, red fruit notes and round body. The whites stand out for their freshness and fruity aromas, and the rosés for their liveliness and youthful character.

DO Pla i Llevant, diversity and oenological richness

Officially recognised in 2001, the Pla i Llevant appellation covers the centre and southeast of Mallorca, including municipalities like Manacor, Felanitx, Porreres and Petra. This region boasts a millenary winemaking tradition, varied soils and excellent sun exposure, allowing a wide range of grape varieties to flourish.

Callet is the queen of this area, accompanied by fogoneu, manto negro and gorgollassa. In whites, prensal blanc and giró ros are blended with chardonnay, macabeo and muscat. This varietal richness translates into expressive white wines (from dry and floral to barrel-fermented with tropical notes), and reds with complexity, good acidity and rounded tannins. Blends with foreign varieties add versatility without losing authenticity.

Vi de la Terra Mallorca, creative freedom beyond the DO

Beyond the traditional appellations, Mallorca also has the protected geographical indication Vi de la Terra Mallorca. This label allows greater freedom in winemaking and grape selection, enabling more experimental approaches or personal, signature styles. Some of the island’s most avant-garde and influential wineries, such as Ànima Negra, operate under this designation.

Wines under the Vi de la Terra Mallorca label retain their local identity but allow exploration beyond conventional boundaries, such as extended maceration, the use of amphorae or the revival of ancestral techniques. This category has been essential in positioning Mallorca on the international stage with unique and recognisable wines.

Native and international grape varieties in Mallorca

Manto negro, callet and gorgollassa as iconic red grapes

Native red grape varieties are at the heart of Mallorcan wine. Manto negro is perhaps the most well-known: it brings elegance, fruitiness and soft tannins, making it ideal for ageing or lightly oaked wines. Callet, more delicate, offers spicy nuances, pale colours and a distinctive texture. Gorgollassa, recently recovered, adds freshness, natural acidity and a very modern profile.

These grapes produce balanced red wines with moderate alcohol, red fruit aromas and mineral notes — perfect for the Mediterranean climate and local cuisine. Together, they represent Mallorcan wine identity with a personality you won’t find in other regions.

Prensal blanc, moll and giró ros in white wines

In white wines, local varieties also play a key role. Prensal blanc, also known as moll, is a versatile grape that produces light, fresh wines with citrus or green apple aromas. It’s perfect for young, easy-to-drink whites. Giró ros, on the other hand, brings volume on the palate, structure, and a more complex aromatic profile — ideal for barrel fermentations or ageing on lees.

These varieties make it possible to craft white wines with a true Mallorcan character, far removed from global standards, and increasingly appreciated by consumers seeking origin and authenticity.

The role of cabernet, syrah and chardonnay in modern blends

Alongside native grapes, Mallorca has successfully integrated international varieties. Cabernet sauvignon and syrah are used to give red wines structure, colour and ageing potential, while merlot adds softness. For whites, chardonnay has become a perfect ally for more complex winemaking, especially barrel fermentations, offering tropical aromas, creamy texture and excellent ageing potential.

The blends between local and international grapes allow Mallorcan wineries to adapt their wines to global palates without losing the island’s identity. This combination has been key in achieving awards and recognition at international wine fairs.