Balearic wines are back! Once well recognized internationally and within Spain these wines are now resurgent, and delivering some compelling flavors to discerning palates. Mallorca, Menorca, Eivissa, and Formentera all have wineries worthy of review. These small islands, known and the Balearics, make the most of the Mediterranean climate to enjoy some good grapes.
Mallorca has two DOC wine regions: Pla i Llevant and Binissalem (DOC is the Denominacion de Origen Calificada and is awarded to appellation regions with a consistent track record for quality). Of these Pla i Llevant is the largest, and produces red Mediterranean wines using Callet, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Its best grape for white wine is Chardonnay, and it also grows Moscatel de Alejandria, which is used to make a sweet wine. Pla i Llevant is located on the eastern side of Mallorca.
Binissalem sits in the center of Mallorca and produces Moll, Chardonnay and Macabeo grapes. It is well known for a blended red wine which uses Manto Negro and Callet. The red wines are high in alcohol content and the white wine is known for its fruity flavor.
The Pine Islands of Ibiza and Formentera have wineries of their own too: Vin de Tanys Mediterranis, Can Rich, Sa Cova, and Can Maimo. They produce some decent white wine, usually from the Macabeo, and sometimes mixed with Chardonnay, and sometimes with Moscatel or Parallada. Red wine is made from a number of grapes, including Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Of these Monastrell is of the highest quality, and something of a specialty.
In addition to wines the region produces a number of liqueurs and aperitifs. One of these is a local gin, Ginebra de Menorca. It is made by distilling cereals, potatoes and beet and flavoring with juniper berries. It is based on an old recipe from Holland and the island has made it its own. They store the gin in oak barrels and although it is around forty percent proof it has a very clean taste.
Another of the local liqueurs is Licor de Hierbas de Mallorca. It mixes anise with herbs, and comes in three varieties, each with a different sugar content: Sweet Hierbas Dulces, Secas, and Mezcladas. Another green liqueur is Licor de Hierbas Ibicenco. Although not strictly one of the Mediterranean wines it is a delicious mixture of herbs, including lavender, thyme, lemon verbena, sage and rosemary.
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