Majorcan wines to extend identity

THE Regulating Council of the Denominacion de Origen Binissalem Mallorca have decided to allow the island's wine producers to use the name “Mallorca” on the wines they produce. The vote was four in favour and two against, and this proposal will be put to the Balearic Ministry of Agriculture for their approval of the use of this distinctive name. In fact, until now the only Denominacion de Origen wine producers who could use this distinctive name were those of the “Binissalem Mallorca” group, who produce red, rose, white and sparkling wines with the indigenous grape varieties Mantonegro and Moll; and the “Pla i Llevant Mallorca” wine producers, who produce red, white, sparkling, and liqueurs, with the red grape varieties Callet, Fogoneu, Montenegro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Monastreu, Merlot and Syrah; and the white varieties Chardonnay, Moll, Macabeo, Parellada and Moscatell. After the Regulating Council's agreement, the island's wine producers can all join in this geographical identification, such as the Balearic islands “vinos de la terra” and the wines from Serra de Tramuntana Costa Nord, and they can use the “Mallorca” name on their wines if the Balearic Ministry of Agriculture gives it the green light.