THE GRAPE VARIETIES ON CAN AXARTELL

It is typical for Mallorca that wineries have both local and imported grape varieties. This is also the case on Can Axartell. This is due to the fact that wine lovers, both on the island and worldwide, prefer the grape varieties they know much more than those they do not. The first internationally renowned varieties were planted on Mallorca in the 1970s. They ensured that Mallorca regained its place in the wine world. Since the 1990s, however, local varieties have become increasingly popular.

Native grape varieties
It is amazing how many grape varieties Mallorca has to offer, even though the island covers just 3,640 km². This indicates that viticulture has been practiced for a very long time. And indeed, it can be traced back at least to the time of the Phoenicians.

Callet

The red Callet has proven to be the most elegant variety. This grape variety is possibly descended from the Fogoneu variety, which is also indigenous, and the Callet Negrella, which is no longer used commercially. The Callet is perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions of the island, needs little water and is quite robust. In 2008, there were 134 hectares planted with this variety, exclusively on Mallorca. However, due to its growing popularity, this lively, fresh, mineral variety is being cultivated more frequently again.

Giró Ros

This indigenous white grape variety would have almost died out had the grape grower Joaquin Montserrat not preserved 200 vines, which were then propagated by the winemaker Toni Gelabert. Otherwise it would have been a great loss, as the variety, which has pink grape skins similar to Pinot Gris, has a very pleasant aroma and more acidity than prensal.

Manto Negro

Manto Negro also comes from the island and may have the same parent as Callet Cas Concos. The other parent is probably the old Sabaté variety. Manto Negro is the most frequently cultivated local red variety and part of the red cuvées in Binissalem. Although it has black grape skins, the variety is very light in color and sometimes resembles rosé when vinified as a single varietal. It tends to have high alcohol levels. This is why it usually finds its way into a cuvée with Callet or other varieties.

Prensal

The indigenous white grape variety Prensal, also known as Moll in Binissalem, is an extremely resistant grape variety that requires little water. In this respect, it is perfectly suited for cultivation on the island, which has no rivers worth mentioning and therefore little water. The grape variety is quite neutral in aroma and has very moderate acidity levels. It is therefore a good cuvée partner for Malvasia, Moscatel or Viognier.

Mediterranean grape varieties
Many Mediterranean varieties spread throughout the Mediterranean region thousands of years ago with the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. The best example of this is the Malvasia variety, which has continued to develop in dozens of different varieties.

Malvasia de Banyalbufar

The Malvasia variety may have been native to Mallorca for centuries, if not millennia. Then came phylloxera and destroyed most of the stocks. In the 20th century, the grape variety was hardly cultivated at all. Only since around 1995 has Malvasia been slowly propagated again from the few strains that still existed and initially cultivated on the reconstructed terraced vineyards in the village of Banyalbufar in the northwest of the island. Malvasia de Banyalbufar belongs to the Malvasia di Sardegna and Malvasia di Lipari family. It has spread throughout the Mediterranean region. The variety has a high acidity, which is usually reduced by harvesting it late. This increases the sugar and later the alcohol levels. Malvasia was and is often produced as a sweet wine with a high alcohol content. However, it is precisely the lighter version with higher acidity levels that produces the most interesting wines today.

Monastrell

This variety was first mentioned under the name Monastrell in 1381 and was already the most important red grape variety in the Valencia region in the 15th century. It is mainly known as Mourvèdre in the south of France, but also internationally. It is available both as a single variety and in cuvées with Grenache and Syrah. These are often abbreviated to GSM. In addition to France, Mourvèdre can also be found in Australia, South Africa and California. The dark, spicy grape variety develops best in locations where the soil is dry and the air is slightly windy and humid. This suits the Finca Boscana vineyard very well, where this variety was planted.

Moscatel

This variety can also be found throughout Europe under the names Muscat or Muskateller. Originally a Mediterranean variety, it is vinified both sweet and dry. It has a pleasant acidity structure. It is known for its muscat, lychee and rose aroma, which is accompanied by a fine spiciness.

Syrah

The red grape variety from the Rhône is one of the most widely cultivated varieties in the world. Wines from the northern Rhône in particular, but also those from Australia, are among the best red wines to be found. Syrah is a strong, dark variety with distinctive tannins, meaty and peppery notes and dark fruit.

International grape varieties
Varieties such as Merlot or the Pinot varieties are internationally successful grape varieties that are cultivated all over the world, including Mallorca. Pinot Noir was a real challenge in the beginning, as it took advantage of the climatic conditions to grow further and further. In the meantime, it has been tamed and shows very nice results as a rosado. Merlot, one of the most frugal grape varieties in the world, is also doing well on the island. With its silkiness and dark fruit, it is an ideal cuvée partner. Petit Verdot is a real special case. Although the variety actually originates from the north and could have behaved similarly to Pinot, Petit Verdot developed very slowly and cautiously. It shows great depth of flavor and never fails to delight with its complexity and harmony.

Historical grape varieties
There are several dozen grape varieties on Mallorca that died out or were in danger of dying out after the phylloxera disaster and the temporary collapse of viticulture. Some of the varieties that can now be found in the experimental vineyard at Can Axartell only existed in small numbers of a few dozen or even as isolated vines. They are now gradually being propagated. The rare varieties planted in the experimental vineyard include: Vinater Negre, Vinater Blanc, Mancès de Tibus, Valent blanc, Valent negre Mandó, Quigat, Argamussa, Giró Negre, Escursach, Pollença, Gorgolassa and Estperó de Gall. For the team at Can Axartell, the cultivation of these varieties is an important contribution to the conservation and preservation of biodiversity in viticulture on Mallorca.