Mantonegro, Mallorca’s most characteristic grape variety

When we talk about wines, names such as Tempranillo, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon are familiar to us. However, Mallorca has its own variety with a unique personality: the Mantonegro, a native grape that defines the character of many of the island’s wines.

What is Mantonegro?

It is quite possible that the Mantonegro grape is not so well known to you because it is a variety native to Mallorca, whereas the others mentioned above are grown in many regions around the world. The exact origins of the Mantonegro grape are unknown, but it is currently the most widespread variety in the Binissalem – Mallorca D.O. area.

Characteristics of the Grape

Mantonegro bunches tend to be large, fairly compact and dense. The grapes are medium-sized, round in shape, with a bluish-black skin and very faint internal pigmentation.

The aromatic potential and colour intensity are of a medium nature, which clearly defines the character of the wines produced from it. This variety tends to oxidise more quickly than others, resulting in wines with tones that make them appear more mature than they actually are. Furthermore, they easily reach high alcohol levels, around 13.5%–14%.

What are Mantonegro wines like?

Due to all these characteristics, it is not a very easy grape to work with and, rather than for producing a single-varietal wine, it is ideal for blending with more intense varieties. This results in very harmonious and elegant wines, suitable for good ageing.

The Binissalem – Mallorca D.O. requires that its red wines contain a minimum of 30% Mantonegro grapes. The resulting wines are medium-bodied, warm and velvety, offering notes of ripe fruit, plums and raisins, with a hint of balsamic and spicy notes, such as pepper and liquorice. They are much lighter and easier to drink than other wines made from grapes that are sometimes too intense, such as those made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon or 100% Syrah.

Mantonegro in Mallorca

As we mentioned earlier, Mantonegro is the grape variety most commonly found in these five municipalities: Santa María, Consell, Binissalem, Santa Eugenia and Sencellas, all of which belong to the Binissalem – Mallorca Designation of Origin.

If you want to know more about the Binissalem D.O. wines, follow the link: Binissalem is a land for wines

Binissalem is a land for wines.

So when you visit us in Mallorca, don’t forget to try one of our wines, made with this native Mantonegro grape. Mantonegro is one of the best ways to discover the character of Mallorca through wine. If you’d like to try it, you’ll find wines made from this native variety in our online shop.: Best gourmet products from Mallorca