Is it that good? Is it even worth it? Let’s break it down
Expensive wine has its cost for many reasons. The priciest wines in the world are tied to estates and producers with international fame. While Mallorcan wine isn’t as expensive as a French Grand Cru, an average bottle of wine is significantly more expensive that what you will find compared to the rest of Spain.
Running a winery on an island is expensive
Once you live on an island you begin to understand the concept of insularity pretty quickly. It’s not just the wine; the food, groceries, furniture, Amazon, everything is more expensive! Things have to be brought in by plane or by ship, and this transport cost is added to the prices of all goods and services.
Running a winery is expensive to begin with, and even more so on an island. Mallorca has some of the most expensive real estate in all of Spain. Then, there is the issue of getting materials onto the island, it takes time and you have to add import and export fees. Everything has an added cost, from the tractors and equipment to the bottles and the corks. Between buying land and the additional transportation fees the cost adds up quickly.
Supply and Demand
On the other hand, we have the effect of basic supply and demand. The demand for Mallorcan wine is big, so much so that many cellars have their wine sold before it even hits the market, and most don’t even cellar their wines before launch. Few cellars go through the trouble of ageing their own wine. A few examples of those who do are Miquel Gelabert and Son Sureda Ric. But these are the exceptions, not the norm.
Northern Europeans purchase many of the wines, but Germany is the most important international consumer. There are many producers who are German and sell their wine in their home country. It’s considered a status symbol to drink Mallorcan wine in Germany, they are huge fans of the island.
Some wines cannot even be found on the island, such as Xaloc in Pollenca, a visit to the cellar or a flight to Switzerland or Germany might be the only way to get a bottle.
The wine is great
Lastly, and most importantly the wine is great. The wine from Mallorca is expressive and unique. Local winemakers use local autochthonous grapes that have been selected and climatized to the area over hundreds of years.
As a result, the care that goes into cultivating grapes shines through in the wines, they’re special and unique. The terroir, the combination of climatic factors, geology, and location, shines in the wines. International varieties like Merlot can take on completely different expressions. Finca Sa Punta has a 100% Merlot bursting with brash tannins, stewed fruit, and a big body.
If you’re looking to purchase Mallorcan wines, stay tuned for a new post on Where to buy Mallorcan wine or feel free to send us an e-mail and we’re more than happy to guide you towards your next bottle of Mallorcan grape juice.
