Toni Gelabert Wine Tasting

On December 11, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn Vins Toni Gelabert2 Comments

Wines Tasted

◊ White ◊

Son Fangos Blanc 2014
Chardonnay 2014

◊ Rosé ◊

Son Fangos Rosat 2014

◊ Red ◊

Son Fangos Negre
Negre de Sa Colònia 2013
Ses Hereves 2007

Vins Toni Gelabert pays attention to detail. The winery building was designed and built down to every detail according to Feng Shui. They farm and harvest according to not only Organic, but also Biodynamic techniques. Biodynamic farming follows the cycles of the moon and has specific hours and days for planting, trimming, harvesting… etc. It is a lot of extra work, but the results can be recognized in the taste of their wines! Their dedication and values set them apart from the other wineries in actions, and in flavor as well. Overall excellence.

Tasting note:
We shared this tasting with a group of German women on holiday here. It cost €20, and included not only expensive bottles from Toni Vins, but also homemade Sobrasada and Mahonese cheese. We tasted in a room that felt like we had been invited into Toni’s house and kitchen, like visiting old friends around the kitchen table and talking about our favorite topic – good wine!

#1
Son Fangos Blanc 2014
Grapes: Prensal (12%), Moscatel

Comment:

Tawnee: The smell is fabulous! The wine is a pale yellow with a lovely feeling in the mouth and had a nice finish. It is well balanced and yummy. It left me wanting to drink more. A great wine to drink with a good book.

Merie: This white wine is 12% alcohol by volume. A blend of Prensal Blanc and Muscatel. It has a lovely aroma of Muscatel with citrus, light and fresh. When freshly opened, it starts nicely, and finishes slightly tart; then but as it opened the flavors fused, and the chilled, balanced flavors were delicious.

#2
Chardonnay 2014
Grapes: Chardonnay 100%

Comment:

Tawnee: This is my favorite Chardonnay! We have a winner in the Mallorca Wine Trail! It is a beautiful golden color and has a nose to match full of golden apples and ripe bananas. It has 5 months in French oak barrel where they batonage it. Batonage is moving of the sediments with a stick. Toni even brought out the stick to show us! This bottle can last for up to 10 years in the bottle. Highly recommended.

Merie: This wine is 14.5% alcohol by volume. It is has 4-5 months fermentation in oak, and I love an oaky Chardonnay! It seems to be a thing of the past, as newer oenologists prefer the brighter flavors of Chardonnays that go direct from stainless tanks to bottle. But not me!

#3
Son Fangos Rosat
Grapes: Callet 50%
Syrah 25%
Merlot 25%

Comment:

Tawnee: This is a rosé made with all red grapes. The nose is of watermelon. He puts the grapes in full and lets it ferment for a few hours, and then removes the skins etc, before letting it ferment for around a month in stainless steel. The flavor is very subtle, light and enjoyable. This was the German ladies favorite!

Merie: This rosé has a fresh, tart aroma that is mouth watering! It goes straight from stainless tank to bottle, never to oak, and is nicely dry.

#4
Son Fangos Negre
Grapes: Callet 50%
Merlot 25%
Cabernet 25%

Comment:

Tawnee: A good red wine. A deep ruby red with a nose of wet earth. I enjoyed the full flavor and body that it had. It is their best seller, and I can see why. It would be great with pork chops.

Merie: This wine is made from 50% Callet grapes, with the other 50% being a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. It has a very unique aroma of light leather, and fresh fruit with no sweetness. The flavor is classic and balanced with a nice tannin structure.

#5
Negre de Sa Colònia 1013
Grapes: Callet 100%

Comment:

Tawnee: I like this wine! I think it has originality and when you know that Toni has chosen these Callet grapes especially because they are from Sa Colònia to make the 100% Callet wine it makes it even better. He says that the Callet grape can only be grown in that area of Mallorca… and he has proof behind his comment. He also has Callet growing around his bodega and says that it isn’t as good… so he mixes it in his blends. Love the honesty and the experimental truth!

Merie: This red is made from 100% Callet grapes from their vineyard in Colònia San Pedro (Colònia Sant Pere in Mallorquin). It is aged 12 months in French oak barrels. Interestingly, the tannins in this wine were green and we were reminded that ripe seeds produce ripe tannins, and green grapes produce green tannins – so I am guessing these grapes were pressed youngish.

#6
Ses Hereves 2007
Grapes: Cabernet 33%
Merlot 33%
Syrah 33%

Comment:

Tawnee: This is a classic wine. The nose is of pepper and musk. It has full flavor and body. You can taste the essence of the Mediterranean in it. It is one of Señor Toni’s favorite wines he makes. Perfect to drink with a freshly grilled steak and vegetables.

Merie: This rich red wine is a Reserva, spending 12 months in new French Oak barrels. Vins Toni Gelabert is known for this bottle. The blend is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and has a wonderful and distinct aroma of rich ripe northern grapes.

Thank you Toni!

Please See Our Vins Toni Gelabert Visit: Click Here

### Vins Toni Gelabert ###

Vins Ca’n Novell Tasting

On November 5, 2015November 6, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn Vins Can NovellLeave a comment

Wines Tasted:

◊ 2 Whites ◊

Xardone 2014
Es Vermadors

◊ 1 Rosé ◊

Es Vermadors

◊ 1 Red ◊

É Roure

Vins Ca’n Novell is Mallorca Profunda – authentic Mallorca! They have stuck to tradition and kept prices down. Their wines are excellent for their prices. You can fill up the bottles from your house, or come and buy a bottle from them. Both options are economical and delightful to drink. In keeping with their love of tradition, the majority of their wines are made with local grapes. How lovely to see enthusiasm for tradition. Vins Ca’n Novell and Andreu are bubbling with enjoyment for Mallorca and Mallorcan wine.

#1
Xardoné
Grapes: Chardonnay

Comments:
Tawnee: This Chardonnay is one of the better ones on the island! It didn’t have the unpleasant finish that I do not like in a Chardonnay. Perhaps my search has found a winner! Additionally, it is unbeatable at Ca’n Novell prices! Happy taste buds and happy wallet = happy Tawnee. Enjoyable anywhere, it is fresh and pleasant for a hot summer day.

Merie: The first splash from the Xardoné (Mallorcan for Chardonnay of course) was tasty! Using 100% Chardonnay grapes it is a “vino jovenes” a young wine, so no Oak and going straight form stainless to bottle; fresh and appetizing with just the right amount of tartness to make the mouth water on a hot day.

#2
Es Vermadors Blanc
Grapes: Prensal Blanc

Comments:
Tawnee: I am beginning to appreciate this grape. It is fresh and delightful in the mouth. A delicious addition to summer salad, or paired with zesty chicken.

Merie: Es Vermadors’ Prensal Blanc grapes are also known as Moll grapes in Mallorcan. This is a nice light and refreshing wine. It has slightly more white-fruit notes than Chardonnay, but is not sweet.

#3
Es Vermadors Rosé
Grapes: Manto Negro
Callet

Comments:
Tawnee: An authentic Mallorcan wine with Manto Negro and Callet grapes. This is a very distinct rosé. Perhaps my love of the Chardonnay made me not enjoy it as much as I could have. The name from this line from Ca’n Novell is Es Vermadors – in Mallorcan, a Vermador is a person who picks the grapes during harvest season; a fitting name for an authentic Mallorcan wine!

Merie: Es Vermadors Rosé is a blend from two local red grapes, Manto Negro and Callet. This wine is a testament to the quality of these grapes, which are often supported by foreign varietals! Very refreshing and appetizing!

#4
É Roure
Grapes: Merlot
Syrah

Comments:
Tawnee: An instant buy to try at home. This was written in the Mallorcan ABC magazine as Vins Ca’n Novell’s best wine, and I had to try it, it being their best and most expensive yet so reasonably priced – it was a no-brainer. I served it on my terrace one late afternoon. It held its own and was very enjoyable.

Merie: Andreu apologized that he didn’t have enough bottles left in stock to open one that late in the day for two people, so we didn’t try it in the tasting. He showed us a review in a magazine featuring the best of Mallorca, and it called this wine worth five times the price! So, untasted we each bought a bottle! Andreu said not to let it get too warm, to “drink it a little fresh.” Oops, I opened it at an outdoor lunch in a heat wave after a bottle of chilled Son Vives Juxta Mar — and I loved it! My husband didn’t. However he had it again that evening with steak and said that after breathing, and with red meat, it was wonderful. It is the kind of hearty, rich red I live for.

Thank you Andreu!

Please see Ca’n Novell Visit: Click Here

### Vins Ca’n Novell ###

Bodegas Ángel Wines Tasting

On October 29, 2015November 5, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn Bodega Angel1 Comment

Wines Tasted

◊ 2 White ◊

Blanc de Blanca 2014
Viogner 2013

◊ 1 Rose ◊

Lua Rosa 2014

◊ 2 Red ◊

Syrah 2010
Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Bodegas Ángel has a passion for perfection and the recipe to find it. The wine is a beautiful mix of Mallorcan terroir with an American style ingenuity, inspired from the owner’s many years lived in California. Dry wine is their forté, and they do it well!

#1
Blanc de Blanca
Grapes: Chardonnay
Prensal Blanc

Comments:
Tawnee: An excellent wine. Golden in glass – it has a subtle flavor of fruits and is very fresh. There is a dry finish. Crisp and good. It would be an excellent combination with a salad lunch on the patio or with ceviche on the beach.

Merie: We started with the Blanc de Blanca, 12% alcohol by volume, made from Prensal Blanc, Chardonnay, and starting this year with Viognier grapes. The aroma is fresh, light fruit and raisin, the taste bright, yet perhaps a tad tart… with both the whites we tasted, the grapes are carefully separated from the stems before being pressed to ensure purity of fruit flavor.

#2
Viognier
Grapes: Viognier 100%

Comments:
Tawnee: A white in oak – balanced and with character. A great wine to enjoy with a Paella on the beach.

Merie: Next we tried the 100% Viognier. It is 13% alcohol by volume, both oak and bottle aged. It was lovely with a mellow, balanced scent, and a gorgeous dry finish often not found with Viognier.

#3
Lau Rosa
Grapes: Merlot 75%
Manto Negro 25%

Comments:
Tawnee: The best rosé on island! An almost salmon color – it has an excellent fruity nose with strawberry flavors and a dry finish. It would combine excellently with fish – a delicious addition to a summer meal.

Merie: On to the Rosé, which is 14.5% alcohol by volume. Here too the grapes are de-stemmed before pressing. In 2014 it is 75% Merlot and 25% Manto Negro grape. It is dryer than many Rosé wines in a truly great way, one of the best I’ve had. It is fermented in French oak at least four months until dry, purposefully avoiding residual sugars often found in Rosés. It has a fresh aroma of strawberry, and strawberry notes were also found in the flavor: a nice constancy!

#4
Syrah
Grapes: Syrah 100%

Comments:
Tawnee: I always love the 100% wines as I can really begin to understand how the grape is supposed to taste. A solid wine – violet and expressive with subtle notes of berries. The hints of berry sweetness is contrasted beautifully with the dry ending.

Merie: Still clearing glasses from the previous tour, Andreas next poured the Syrah 2010. It is 13.5% alcohol by volume with wonderful aromas and flavors of dark and wild berry. As Andreas put it, the fruit notes are “expressive but not sweet.” It is aged one year in both French and American oak, and then held a minimum of one year in bottle.

#5
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon 100%

Comments:
Tawnee: I love a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon! An intense experience with a solid chocolate finish. It was very silky in the mouth. An excellent pairing for sobrassada, the traditional cured meat made on the island, which can be spicy or not.

Merie: Lastly, Andreas opened a new bottle and poured his Cabernet 2011. 14% alcohol by volume it is perfectly dry. I am reminded that in Mallorca many red wines are 14% alcohol because the sweeter the grapes are at harvest in this sunny climate, the longer it takes to ferment out the sugars, and the more alcohol is generated. Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this wine was aged one year in French Oak only, and the associated rich aromas are satisfyingly balanced in this super dark berry wine. I bought a bottle and was even more impressed when I drank it at home. I would buy a case without hesitating.

Thank you Andreas!

Please see Bodegas Ángel Visit: Click Here

### Bodegas Ángel ###

ANA Vins Wine Tasting

On October 23, 2015October 28, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn ANA Vins WineryLeave a comment

Wines Tasted:

◊ 1 White ◊

Blanc 2012

◊ 1 Rose ◊

Rosat 2014

◊ 2 Reds ◊

Negre
Selecció

We love the simplicity of ANA Vins – four wines. A White, Rosé, Red and special red, all called by their Mallorcan color names; Blanc, Rosat, Negre and Selecció. The normal red and special red are made with the same grapes, but with different percentages and different aging time in French Oak. The bodega is relatively new, and they are working hard to preserve the work they have done. The tasting room is in a beautiful country room with a wooden round table. Perfect for a lengthy conversation over a good wine.

#1
Blanc 2012
Grapes: Prensal Blanc
Chardonnay
Muscatel

Comments:
Tawnee: The color is a delicate yellow, like dry straw. This is a fruity wine. Fresh and clean. Incredibly, it smells just like it tastes – A first on our Mallorcan Wine Trail! I can see why it was sold out. It would be great with fresh oysters.

Merie: Next Francisco opened a new, chilled bottle of the Blanc 2012 for us, made from Prensal Blanc, Chardonnay, and Muscatel grapes. Interestingly, it had very subtle aroma and then bold flavor! I have not encountered that yet!

#2
Rosat 2014
Grapes: Manto Negro 50%
Callet
Merlot
Syrah

Comment:
Tawnee: The color is a very soft red. It matches the delicacy of the taste. Made similar to the wine I really liked in Ca’n Pico where the grapes were pressed and then put inside at a cool temperature and they then removed the grapes and seeds fairly quickly allowing for a very clean crisp wine. This process is called Baja Magracion. This wine is very floral and is wonderful because it tastes just as good as it smells. It would be excellent chilled on the patio in the early afternoon.

Merie: We started with the Rosé, a first for us as every other tasting experience has started with their dry white and moved through rosé to reds. This wine is 50% Monte Negro, then a mix of Callet, Merlot, and Syrah. It has extremely inviting color and aroma, light fruit notes, and is satisfyingly dry. A very good rosé!

#3
Negre
Grapes: Manto Negro 35%
Syrah 10%
Callet
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tempranillo

Comments:
Tawnee: This coupage is beautiful – both in color and in taste. It is a mix of native Mallorcan grapes and classic grapes. It is a very easy wine to drink full of red berries and a small hint of spice. Perfect for pork chops with a light gravy or turkey.

Merie: Next came the red/Negre. Aged in French oak, the aroma tempted with chocolate and raisin scents. Xisco called it joven = young, because it only had one year in oak barrel – but in our experience most people call a no-barrel wine young. The grapes are 35% Manto Negro, 10% Syrah, then a mix of Callet, Cabernet, and Tempranillo. There was also light raisin in the flavor, in a surprisingly nice, dry way!

#4
Selecció
Grapes: Manto Negro 42%
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Tempranillo

Comments:
Tawnee: I love that this winery is using Tempranillo that I have tasted a wine made with Tempranillo. I have not come across it here on the island very much. A beautiful bold red. It is incredible to see what the difference a few subtle differences in proportions of grapes and time in oak can make to a wine. This would be great beside the roaring fire with some cheese, cold cuts and crackers.

Merie: Our last taste was the Selecció. Made from the same grapes as the Negre, in different proportions, and aged longer. With 42% Manto Negro it is aged 2 years in French oak barrels. The aroma was great, and the wine flavors very parallel to the aroma once it opened a bit in glass. The color is deep ruby. Xisco called the taste “suave,” and said “Tiene cuerpo.” Have your dictionary? Suave means soft, and tiene cuerpo means full bodied.

Thank You Xisco!

Please see ANA Vins Visit: Click Here

### BODEGA ANA VINS ###

Pere Seda Wine Tasting

On October 15, 2015October 28, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn Pere Seda1 Comment

Wines Tasted

◊ 1 White ◊

Chardonnay 2014

◊ 2 Reds ◊

Crianza 2010
Molson Alcover 2011

Pere Seda is no small-scale production. There is wine, wine and more wine. Everything at the winery is big and industrious. It is incredible to see the contrast between the other bodegas that we have visited and this one, as it is one of the few Mallorcan wineries on this level. Pere Seda has a longstanding reputation, and is a reasonably priced, quality controlled wine; and that is an important product! Their wine is a good choice when you want to bring more than one bottle to a picnic or casual dinner and want it to be local.

Tasting Choices: We did not try anything from L’Arxiduc line, which are Semi-Crianza white, rosé, and red; aged 4-6 months in barrel, and made of local and foreign varietals, nor the Novell line which are new, this year vintages. Tofol had offered us a tasting choice of three wines, and as we already had a solid understanding of Novell wines from different summer events (very pleasant and fresh) we skipped them now, but recommend you try them when looking for a people’s price local wine.

#1
Chardonnay 2014
Grapes: Chardonnay 100%

Comments:
Tawnee: I am not a Chardonnay drinker…I am hoping that my Mallorca Wine Trail will lead me to a new understanding and appreciation for them, but I still have not found one that I like. This Chardonnay has a very light yellowing color and subtle fruit aromas. It is lightly acidic and crisp. It would be good served as a before-dinner wine in either summer or winter.

Merie: First Tofol poured the 100% Chardonnay young white wine. This wine goes from fermenting tank to bottle, so it is crisp, not an “oaky Chardonnay.” It is a straightforward table white, the kind you can cook with and sip at the same meal to keep the flavours congruous.

#2
Crianza 2010
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Callet

Comments:
Tawnee: This is a real ruby-red color and the aromas are sweet. It fills the mouth well and ends with a distinct finish. It would be a great accompaniment to a cheese plate or white meats – chicken, turkey, or pheasant.

Merie: Then we tried the Crianza red. 12 months in 80% American and 20% French Oak barrels. This is a complex red and the many components support the overall depth. As we go to more and more wineries, I begin to see the parallels in grape choice blends and fermenting choices, and it is interesting to see how different the products are!

#3
Molson Alcover 2011
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Callet

Comments:
Tawnee: This is a new combination of grapes – we have not tried Cabernet Sauvignon and Callet – it is normally Monte Negro. Surprisingly enough (for me) it is noticeable! Callet is another local Mallorcan grape. This is an intense wine with a distinct finish. It is definitely the most bold of the three we tried. I would suggest eating it with Mallorcan wild goat or lamb.

Merie: We finished with the limited release Mossèn Alcover red made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Callet grapes from old vines, and aged in oak. Clearly one that Pere Seda is carefully blending, celebrating the strengths of the local grape with the support of tried-and-true Cabernet.

Heres the rub: Interestingly, both of these reds today reminded us of Jose Ferrer wines, and we wish we could be more articulate about the similarities. There is an existing flavor or quality – perhaps residual sugars or less bold tannins – that results in a similar finish. Let us know what you think!!!

Thank you Tofol!

Please see Pere Seda Visit: Click Here

### Pere Seda ###

Miquel Gelabert Winery Visit

On October 8, 2015October 28, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn Miquel Gelabert WineryLeave a comment

“Artisanal techniques and ingenuity create a spectrum for the palate.”

(+34) 971 821 444
www.vinsmiquelgelabert.com
Manacor, Mallorca, Spain

Open sesame – hidden away on a tiny residential street of Manacor, an anonymous door opened, and suddenly we are in a miniature but full-production bodega: Vins Miquel Gelabert. The family story goes that in 1984 Miquel cooked in his own restaurant in Manacor. His father owned land, and they were selling grapes to other wineries for so little money that they decided to try their own hand at wine making. At first, Miquel sold the bottles at his restaurant, but soon the demand was high enough to change careers and create Vins Miquel Gelabert. Today, though still small-scale and family run, Miquel and his team work with more than 30 varieties of grapes, creating blends unparalleled on the island. He is a champion of the local varietals! For the record, Manacor, and Miquel Gelabert wines, are in the Denominació D’Origen of Pla i Llevant, on the southern plains of Mallorca.

For a small island, we drove a long way to get to the old and almost industrial city of Manacor. That day we were searching for the two family-run wineries of brothers Toni and Miquel Gelabert [note that Miquel is spelled with a q, not a g, which is the Mallorcan spelling and pronunciation]. They had both been recommended previously by a favorite winery when we confessed our self-education project, and we were anxious to taste their work and see their bodegas.

We GPS mapped Vins Miquel Gelabert first, and somehow ended up on some tiny street in a small residential area, so of course we were sure our GPS was wrong. But no, looking closer we found telltale stucco grapes over a wide entrance, and when daughter Maria opened the door she revealed the remarkable antique urban bodega within! Built in 1909, it was originally designed as a winery on the rural outskirts of town, and now lies hidden in its center. We only know it was owned by someone else and was purchased by Miquel in the mid 1980s, when he began to make his own wines in earnest.

Stepping into the entry, two tall stainless tanks towered to our right and Maria told us that the wine in both was already sold in advance. The small room was wallpapered in a patchwork of awards. Maria told us that 50% of their wines are for Mallorca, and 50% for export to Europe.

She led us down a long and steep spiral staircase to the small room where their wine ages in barrels and bottles. Apparently without exception, all Miquel Gelabert reds are aged 12 months in barrel. She told us that though almost all Mallorcan wineries stick to the Spanish rule of Crianza being 6 months in barrel, in fact in the Mallorca D.O.s there is no specific time or system – it can be months in oak barrel or stainless steel. That’s important if you expect an oaky flavor when you buy your Crianza, and then don’t get it!

She led us into the old concrete fermenting tanks, repurposed now as cool storage areas for bottles that are gaining their age, and told us that Vins Miquel Gelabert has three locations right now: Their country vineyard with 9 hectares planted, their small city processing bodega with tasting room, and their distribution hub where the 50,000 bottles are picked up annually for distribution. They make over 25 different labels/types/blends of wine, which is truly astonishing for such a tiny family operation, for ANY operation!

Maria told us her brother is just finishing his Enology degree on the mainland, and will be “training in residence” in New Zealand before coming back and working with their father. Maria was in training as well, but for now she is back home and focusing on family priorities. Mother stopped by briefly, and cheerfully helped us make a reservation at Toni Gelabert’s winery. A family affair!

We were told that Miquel Gelabert works mostly at the vineyard, and when the grapes are crushed and the young wines are ready for aging, they transfer it all to portable stainless tanks, and bring it in multiple trips in their personal vehicles to this urban Bodega; exhausting, but a system in place and wistful intentions of consolidating at some point. At Vins Miquel Gelabert, they hand pick all their grapes for the different quality blends; and also because some, like the Callet grape, mature unevenly and must be gone over by hand.

Next we headed to the room where they bottle, label, cork, and seal. All the machines are very small and partly manual. Maria showed us how they work and explained that as recently as two years ago they didn’t even have these machines, and did it all by hand, down to each individual label adhered with a paintbrush and glue! Artisan industry through-and-through!

Another vintner had fondly described Miquel as a mad scientist mixing so many blends. Nice to imagine him that way, but we saw him as the cook working on recipes, exploring the local grapes, and thinking outside the box to great effect. All very labor intensive and commendable, and luckily he enjoys the freedom to experiment without any restrictions on grape percentage requirements by D.O. Pla I Llevant (a luxury his D.O. Binissalem counterparts do not enjoy).

Helping make sense of the plethora, Maria told us that the wines all fall into three lines as follows:

CAULES – everyday table wines
GOLÓS – medium range quality
SELECCION PRIVADO – top quality

and then a few Special Releases…

For a long time Vins Miquel Gelabert used artists to create different labels every year… (part of his mad scientist thing?)… but recently they have decided to try for bottle/brand recognition and have picked a few labels to stick with! This is another winery combing art and wine – We are beginning to see a trend!

Finally Maria led us to the small and much awaited tasting room – and suddenly the array of wines astounded us further! Here their wines are all displayed with prices, organized across shelves spanning from white to red. Maria asked us where we would like to begin, so headily we started with the whites as we have learned to do; and goodness, are they good! She explained that their Chardonnay is unique because they have this Northern varietal in a special valley where the grapes get less sun in order to allow them to mature closer to their natural habitat. Otherwise, in Mallorca the land of sun, they often burn. Maria was very generous with her time, kind, since we had not made any reservation or given forewarning other than that last minute call of “Um… we are looking for your bodega… and we think we are on the right street, but…” She gave us a glorious tasting – please see our Vins Miquel Gelabert Tasting Notes.

Before we knew it, it was lunchtime and we had earned a good meal! Maria gave us a recommendation for cafe in the town (we wished it was at Miquel’s long-gone restaurant!) and we popped back onto the street to meet the grape-friendly sun with smiles on our face!

Directions:
Hidden in the city of Manacor…I hope these directins help. Coming from the highway Palma-Manacor when you enter to the town of Manacor at the first round about- continue on the highway that takes you on a loop road around the town, a left or three-quarter turn. On the following round about head into town and pass the hospital, this is a right or one-quarter turn. Go straight through the following round about and at the next, with the road, Passeig del Ferrocarril, go left or three-quarter turn. It is a street with a meridian in the middle. From here you have to keep your eye out for the little sign on the right hand side and/or the street name: Carrer de la Veroninca. It is a one way street. Then it is your fourth street on the right- also a one way street. Carrer d’en Salas. It is difficult and the outside of the building is very discrete, but it is worth the hunt to find it.

See Wines Tasted at Miquel Gelabert: Click Here

### Vins Miquel Gelabert ###

Miquel Gelabert Wine Tasting

On October 8, 2015October 28, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn Miquel Gelabert Winery1 Comment

Wines Tasted

◊ 4 Whites ◊

Golós Blanc 2013
Vinya Son Caules Blanc 2013
Sa Vall 2011
Chardonnay Roure 2013

◊ 4 Reds ◊

Autonom 2011
Torrent Negre 2009
Seleccio Privada
Gran Vinya Son Caules

Going to a wine tasting at Vins Miquel Gelabert is a memorable experience! There is no shortage of wines to choose from! Miquel has 10 vineyards on the island and produces wine from 30 different grapes. This is no small feat for a family run business and is why there are a variety of wines and lines to choose from! They take the time to share with you their knowledge and make you feel at home. Every wine we tasted here was full of life and passion – exquisite!

#1
Golós Blanc 2013
Grapes: Riesling
Moscatel
Viognier
Giró blanc

Comment:
Tawnee: Golós is a wonderful fresh and crisp wine! ‘Golós’ means someone that tries something, and wants more; gluttonous. It is a unique white in that it is a mix of young wine and wine that has been fermented, around 40% of the grapes (Reisling and Moscatel) have been French oak for around six months. It would be excellent on a warm summer day by itself or paired with a fresh chilled salad or white fish. Delicious.

Merie: First we tried the lovely Golós 2013. It is 30% Crianza with Viognier and Giró Blanc grapes 4-6 months in oak barrel, blended with 70% Muscatel, Riesling, which did not go to oak barrel — so it still a young wine. It is a fresh, bright wine with just a hint of oak. The name Golós comes from the word “Goloso” meaning someone who loves to eat and drink, someone who “wants more,” understandably!

#2
Vinya Son Caules Blanc 2013
Grapes: Macabeo
Moscatel
Prensal Blanc

Comment:
Tawnee: The beautiful straw color is what I first noticed about this wine. It is a semi-crianza in the sense that it is only in French oak barrels for 3 months. This is different to begin with, white in oak and for such a short time. It adds complexity to the wine and I like it. It would be perfect to combine with any vegetarian dish as it is light, but won’t get lost in contrast to the vegetables.

Merie: These three local grapes blend to make a truly unique white wine. They are subtle, combine well, and the oak is used carefully to complement. The color is mouthwatering on a hot day, as are the fresh white-fruit and nectar aromas (I’m trying!) It is nicely dry but the fruity quality still shines. I would like to take a bottle to an artisan cheese maker’s tasting!

#3
Sa Vall 2011
Grapes: Giró Blanc
Viognier

Comment:
Tawnee: Sa Vall means the valley. It is a mix of two grapes that have been both fermented in new French oak for six months. The result is a very distinct white. I am not accustomed to drinking white wines that have gone to oak, but I like it. It is a white with structure and body. I think it would be excellent beside a grilled fish and veggies!

Merie: Next we tried the Sa Vall 2011: It is a White Crianza, 6 months in high-grade French oak and at least 6 months in bottle (3 years in our case!). The Giró Blanc and Viognier grapes are hand selected for this well-balanced blend.

#4
Chardonnay Roure 2013
Grapes: Chardonnay 100%

Comment:
Tawnee: I am not a fan of Chardonnay. I am trying to find it’s place in my palate, but I have not quite found it. I did enjoy this one. Perhaps the fact that it was 6 months in new French oak. It is a beautiful combination a French grape with French oak. It has around 14% alcohol. It is a very noble wine, golden in color and strong in the mouth with a dry finish. A good accompaniment to chicken or rabbit with gravy.

Merie: Maria poured the Chardonnay Roure 2013 next. It is a 100% Chardonnay Crianza, spending 6-10 months in top quality French oak. The grapes are selected very carefully by hand. It is smooth and crisp, with a dry finish. The grapes are purposefully grown in a small valley where there is less sun and they don’t over-sugar or burn. Many northern grapes are used to less sun, and they can over-mature in the sunny Mallorcan plain. Since aromas are in the skin, the Gelaberts are very careful with this. With less sun, the taste and aroma of this white are more in the French style Maria tells us.

#5
Autonom 2011
Grapes: Callet 50%
Manto Negro 20%
Fogoneu 15% (old vines)
Gorgollassa 15%

Comment:
Tawnee: This is a special wine because it started out as a joint production between two bodegas- Bodega Ribas and Vins Miquel Gelebert. The name is Autonom, which is short autonomo, which means authentic to the place it is from, so Mallorcan grapes only. This is a delightful idea to combine two Mallorcan wineries, using only Mallorcan grapes to create a truly Mallorcan special wine. Recently, Miquel Gelebert has decided to take on full production of the wine. A dominant wine with notes of red ripe berries and wild herbs. I think it would be great with Mallorcan caracoles (snails) or stew.

Merie: Next we tasted the Autócton, which was designed in tandem with Bodegues Ribas in 2011. It is a very savory, smooth, Crianza red made with only native grape varieties including Callet, Manto Negro, Fogoneu, Gorgollassa, and Giró Negro grapes, and all from old vines! The grapes were mixed and then fermented together. If you can find a bottle of this it is well worth drinking. The Ribas Winery is in a different D.O. and their Distributer is different, so after collaborating, apparently big Ribas “gave” it to Miquel Gelabert for distribution. What a partnership!

#6
Torrent Negre 2009
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah

Comment:
Tawnee: This is a common coupage that we are tasting, but I just love how every winery does it different. Miquel Gelebert has decided to age it in French oak and New American oak so there are notes of vanilla, smokiness and spice. It is a solid full body red. Like the name says- Torrent Negre- the Red River – it is a beautiful river that floods your mouth. I like it!

Merie: Maria then poured Torent Negre, 2009. This wine was aged 12 months in new French and American oak barrels, followed by further aging in the bottle. Maria called it “elegante y redondo.” I was comparing this complex bottle to the Autònom, tasting back and forth trying to get different words to describe them, seeing which I liked best. Maria smiled and said “Son buenos los dos, y ya esta.” – Get your Spanish dictionary out, you might as well learn some vocabulary too – “They are both good, and that’s that.”

#7
Seleccio Privada
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon 100%

Comment:
Tawnee: This is a specialty wine that they only produce when there are good enough grapes to make it, and only from the best vines in the vineyard. Hence, the quantity of bottles produced is low. A rare gem – they have named it at the bodega amongst themselves – the wine makers’ ‘capricho’, the closest translation I can think of being ‘toy’….in the sense of a Ferrari is your toy. We tried it because we love strong, full deep bodied wines and this did not disappoint. Devine.

Merie: I love a good Cabernet and this 100% was a pleasure. Knowing these grapes were individually hand picked and then hand selected for this Selecció Privada lends to the joyful experience. Vins Miquel Gelabert are good at creating a full bodied dry red, where the fruit notes are strong but no residual sugars thicken the flavor. Give me this wine, dark chocolate, and some dry Spanish cheese and send me home!

#8
Gran Vinya Son Caules
Grapes: Callet 90%
Manto Negro 10%
and other varietals

Comment:
Tawnee: This wine comes from the oldest grape vines of this bodega – more than 50 years old (the Vinyes Velles). This is a wonderful wine with the local grapes, Callet and Manto Negro. The aromas are of ripe berries and with the mix of French, American and Hungarian oak creates a wonderful blend of spices and chocolate. An elegant coupage.

Merie: Our last taste was Gran Vinya Son Caules, made from a hand picked selection of grapes from the oldest vines. It is 90% Callet grape, the rest is usually Manto Negro and Fogoneu, depending on the year. The other varieties help with color, as apparently Callet oxidizes easily. Oxidation changes a wine’s hue and taste…as a wine ages it is oxidizing so winemakers keep track of this as they perfect their product. (Remember the purposefully oxidized wine at Cellar Ca’n Pico?) Maria said this is her father’s favorite. It’s the one he is presenting to show that Callet is a good grape, but standing alone it would perhaps not appeal 100% in color and aroma, and that would hurt sales. She said (and I translate and thus paraphrase) “Blends let you create the wine you want, the look, the scent, and the flavor. 100% of one grape can be no more than what that grape can offer.”

Thank you Maria!

See Miquel Gelabert Visit: Click Here

### Vins Miquel Gelabert ###

Son Vives Wine Tasting

On September 3, 2015October 28, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn Celler Son VivesLeave a comment

Wine Tasted:

◊ 2 Whites ◊

Juxta Mare 2014
Fusio de Blancs 2014

◊ 1 Red ◊

Negre

Celler Son Vives has the most picturesque tasting area with views of the sea and terraces lined with Malvasia vines. It would be bliss to be able to watch the sun set while sipping on a chilled white. Son Vives makes two native Mallorcan grape mono-varietal wines, their Malvasia dry & sweet, one white blend, and one red blend made from grapes that come from the warmer, dryer center of the island. Our tasting guide, Mariona, was informative and a pleasure to have helping us. We are thankful that she took the time to have a short visit with us late on a Friday summer evening. Cheers!

#1
Juxta Mare 2014
Grapes: Malvasia 100%

Comment:
Tawnee: I always love tasting a mono-varietal wine because it helps me to really understand what the flavors of the grape are supposed to be like. This wine has fruitful aromas and is subtly dry with a distinct finish! Yum.

Merie: Lightly dry, with hints of ripe fruit and honey, the bottle sweat invitingly from the perfect chill. This Malvasia grape is the signature variety of Banyalbufar, and the reason for being here. Apparently Son Vives also produces a Juxta Mare Malvasia Dulce, but it was not offered in our tasting. Juxta Mare means ‘Beside the Sea’ in Mallorcan: The coastal climate is so important to the grape, and the sea views critical to the way of life!

#2
Fusio de Blancs 2014
Grapes: Malvasía
Chardonnay
Prensal Blanc

Comment:
Tawnee: This wine has a beautiful color and I like the name. A fusion of whites – with all white grapes! Also, it has been in oak which is not common for white wines. However, not my favorite, but that doesn’t surprise me as I don’t like Chardonnay very much.

Merie: Next Mariona poured the Fusio de Blancs, which we had enjoyed earlier in a local cafe on the main street of Banyalbufar. This delicious wine is made from Malvasia, Chardonnay, and Prensal Blanc grapes, and fermented in oak barrel. The Chardonnay and Prensal grapes come from the center of the island in Sencelles and Santa Eugenia because they do not grow well in coastal Banyalbufar, and require the hotter, dryer inland plain.

#3
Negre
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Manto Negro

Comment:
Tawnee: I love red wine! Their Negre has a good fruitful aroma and a dominant presence in mouth. I enjoyed this wine more knowing that Son Vives is being resourceful and adding a red wine to their wine production by having a plot of land in the center of the island.

Merie: Last, we tasted their red Negre 12 Meses. It is a Crianza aged one year in oak – hence “12 meses” – and made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Manto Negro grapes. It is produced entirely in Banyalbufar, but the red grapes are grown in the island’s interior wine country, near Santa Maria. A perfectly good red, (which normally I prefer), but today the Whites ruled and no coincidence that they contain the rare and wonderful Malvasia grape.

Thank you Mariona!

See Son Vives visit: Click here

### Celler Son Vives ###

Son Bordils Wine Tasting

On August 5, 2015November 6, 2015 By mallorcawinetastingIn Bodega Son Bordils1 Comment

Wines Tasted:

◊ 3 Whites ◊

Blanc de Raim Blanc 2014
Chardonnay 2014
Muscat 2014

◊ 1 Rose ◊

Rosat 2014

◊ 4 Reds ◊

Merlot 2007
Cabernet 2007
Bisbals 2008
Negre 2010

We learned that all Finca Son Bordils whites and rosés are young, with no time in oak barrels, and that they mainly produce mono-varietal wines and only 2 blends. Again, Ramón was meticulous on the temperature of the pour and firsts sips.

#1
Blanc de Raim Blancs 2014

Grapes: Premsal

Comment:
Tawnee: This is the best white from the bodega. My absolute favorite! I don’t know what it is going on with me, but this summer I am loving whites! This is a very common name and today for the first time, I find out why it is called Blanc de Blancs – it is a white wine made from a white grape! Of course, but if nobody ever told me, I never would have guessed it!

Merie: First Ramón poured the Blanc de Raim Blanc of 100% Prensal Blanc grapes. Prensal Blanc is believed to have been on island since the Phoenicians in BC so it is considered “naitive.” It has a pleasing light tropical and citrus aroma, with good fruit taste. Ramón called it “fresco.” Unexpectedly, this was our favorite of everything we tasted today and we each went home with a bottle.

#2

Chardonnay 2014

Grapes: Chardonnay 88%
Reisling 8%
Viognier 4%

Comment:
Tawnee: I am in search of a Chardonnay that I like, this one was good, but not exquisite for my taste. Here is an example of how the bodega can put the name Chardonnay on the bottle, but not have 100% single grape.

Merie: The Chardonnay came next. It is titled Chardonnay on the label because it meets the DO requirement of 85% Chardonnay grapes, but in fact this bottle was 88% Chardonnay, and 12% Riesling and Viognier to bolster the Chardonnay to their taste. It is lovely and full-bodied with bright ripe fruit – no oak! A good friend of mine who lives in London phone-orders several cases of this wine each year before summer starts, and it’s delivered to their Mallorcan mountain casa when they first arrive!

#3
Moscat 2014
100% Moscat,
(but different varieties)
Moscatel de Grano Menudo
Moscatel de Frontignan,
Muscat d’Alsace or Moscato d’Asti.

Comment:
Tawnee: I like that this wine is with the name Muscat, but that it has many different types of Muscat grape. I like the originality of the name and the flavor.

Merie: The Muscat is nicely dry, not a sweet desert wine, with the unmistakable flavor and aroma of this famous grape. I loved this!

#4
Rosat 2014
Monastrell 52%
Merlot 48%

Comment:
Tawnee: This is my second favorite wine from Son Bordils. An excellent rose to accompany summer lunches.

Merie: This Rossat rosé is made from two red grapes, 52% Monastrell and 48% Merlot grapes and has a classic dark pinky-orange appearance. The aroma was fine, but the taste was better! Normally they make two Rosés, one 100% Monastrell and one 100% Merlot, but this year the yield was low so they made a blend of the two to good effect.

#5
Merlot
Merlot 100%

Comment:
Tawnee: As the bottle breathed, the flavors opened up. A very good red wine, full of flavor and body.

Merie: Next Ramón poured the 100% Merlot and I really wanted some cheese and crackers to go with this lovely wine. The aromas were nice, the flavors better.

#6
Cabernet Sauvingon
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvingon

Comment:
Tawnee: I am beginning to see I like Cabernet Sauvingon. A solid, bold experience.

Merie: The Cabernet had a gorgeously balanced aroma and body, and the finish very clean, a really nice staple wine.

#7
Bisbals
Grapes: Merlot
Manto Negro
Cabernet Sauvingon

Comment:
Tawnee: I like it! It has a very unique flavor- spicy and meaty. The name comes from the special name of the pine forest on Son Bordils- Ses Bisbals- which is like a bishop, and is fitting because it is where the little church is on the land.

Merie: Next Ramón poured us Bisbals, named after the old island Finca/farm house estate. It is a blend of Merlot, Manto Negro (another “native grape”), and Cabernet, with 14.5% vol. and a nice tannin structure. The aftertaste lingers and makes you want another sip.

#8
Negre
Grapes: Manto Negro
Cabernet Sauvignon
Callet

Comment:
Tawnee: Full of ripe red fruits and fennel. This is a great dinner wine at a great price!

Merie: On to their Negre (which means black in Mallorcan but is used to mean red in wines). 14.5% vol., 18 months in American, French, and Hungarian Oak barrels. It is a blend of Manto Negro, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Callet (again, native). They recommend it is best served at a cool 17-18° Celsius (62-64° F). Dryer than the Bisbals, Ramón told us that the Callet grape has balsamic flavors when the vines are young. He tasted with us and perceived flavors of red fruits, licorice/fennel, and toasty cocoa. Yum.

Thank you Ramon!

See Son Bordils Visit: Click here

### Bodega Son Bordils ###

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Mallorca Wine Tasting

Tag: Chardonnay

Toni Gelabert Wine Tasting

Thank you Toni!

Vins Ca’n Novell Tasting

Wines Tasted:

Thank you Andreu!

Bodegas Ángel Wines Tasting

Wines Tasted

Thank you Andreas!

ANA Vins Wine Tasting

Wines Tasted:

Thank You Xisco!

Pere Seda Wine Tasting

Wines Tasted

◊ 1 White ◊

◊ 2 Reds ◊

Thank you Tofol!

Miquel Gelabert Winery Visit

Miquel Gelabert Wine Tasting

Wines Tasted

◊ 4 Whites ◊

◊ 4 Reds ◊

Thank you Maria!

Son Vives Wine Tasting

Wine Tasted:

◊ 2 Whites ◊

◊ 1 Red ◊

Thank you Mariona!

Son Bordils Wine Tasting

Wines Tasted:

◊ 3 Whites ◊

◊ 1 Rose ◊

◊ 4 Reds ◊

#2

Chardonnay 2014

Thank you Ramon!

Thank you Toni!

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Wines Tasted:

Thank you Andreu!

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Wines Tasted

Thank you Andreas!

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Wines Tasted:

Thank You Xisco!

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Wines Tasted

◊ 1 White ◊

◊ 2 Reds ◊

Thank you Tofol!

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Wines Tasted

◊ 4 Whites ◊

◊ 4 Reds ◊

Thank you Maria!

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Wine Tasted:

◊ 2 Whites ◊

◊ 1 Red ◊

Thank you Mariona!

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Wines Tasted:

◊ 3 Whites ◊

◊ 1 Rose ◊

◊ 4 Reds ◊

#2

Chardonnay 2014

Thank you Ramon!

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