The winemaking tradition on the island of Mallorca began with the arrival of the Romans in 123 B.C. and has lasted to the present era. Hundreds of hectares currently used as vineyards for native grape varieties stand to show the excellent work of Majorcan grape-growers. This figure is constantly growing, as is the number of new generation wines made and the Majorcan wineries with Denomination of Origin labels. Almost all of them include local varieties such as moll or prensal for white wines and manto negro, callet and fogoneu amongst the reds.

Bodegas Macià Batle Vineyard

This area is sheltered from the cold winds from the north by the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, creating a mild micro-climate. The Mediterranean climate is mild, with long, hot dry summers, short winters and slightly rainy periods in the spring and autumn. The soil is rich in calcium, and the terrain is flat or slightly rolling, giving rise to brown or limy brown soils. The land is low in relief and the vines grow some 75 to 200 metres above sea level.

All together, this makes Majorca a unique grape-growing region, with wines offering all the special characteristics derived from its island nature, climate, varieties and terrain. Tasting these wines is a must for anyone with an inquisitive and demanding palate.

Today Bodega de Macia Batle is in a Moorish cavern, where the family owned business creates the benchmark Majorcan wines by using the latest and most advance machinery to develop 150 hictares of vineyards to offer excellent wines withy special charactistics native to the island (Montegnegro, Callet and Prensal). A qualified team of oenologists and grape growers strive to make this wine outstanding. Wines include Bodega Biniagual Blanc Veran, Veran Rosat, Sant Gall and Gran Veran as well as the Macia Batle Crianza, Reserva Privade, Blanco de Blanco, Rosado and Ariada.

Bottle Art

 

A tour through this wine making venue is outstanding. The owners and staff provide a bevy of wine history as well as art history. Macia Batle labels feature the artwork of many renowned Spanish artists, and the winery itself is filled with exquisite fine art. Rooms with huge barrels and a room with floor to ceiling bottles is amazing to see. The machinery used to make their wines is the latest and immaculate. The cleanliness of the entire facility is impressive.

Bodega Macie Batle Dining Room

 

The dining area where our traditional Mallorcan dinner was served was beautiful and included appetizers, dinner and dessert all paired with fine Bodega Macie Batle, personally described and served by our host, the grandson of the founding family. The delightful end to this adventure dinner in the winery was to be serenaded by our host, and everyone at the table sang with him. These tour dinners are offered to business groups or visitors to Mallorca who wish the authentic experience of an historic winery, and it is such a valuable education in the art of wine making as well as a delicious taste of Mallorca.

Story and Photos by Bonnie Carroll