Binissalem (DOP) facts for kids
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Binissalem DOP in the region of Balearic Islands
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| Official name | D.O.P. Binissalem |
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| Type | Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) |
| Year established | 1990 |
| Country | Spain |
| No. of vineyards | 605 hectares (1,495 acres) |
| No. of wineries | 11 |
| Comments | Data for 2016 / 2017 |
Binissalem is a special area in Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It's known for making unique wines. When a wine has a "Denominación de Origen Protegida" (DOP) status, it means the wine comes from a specific place and follows strict rules to ensure its quality and unique character. This helps protect the wine's name and reputation. Binissalem got its DOP status in 1991.
Contents
History of Wine in Binissalem
Ancient Beginnings
Wine making started in Mallorca a very long time ago. The Romans brought grape growing to the island in 121 BC. A Roman leader named Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius took control of the island. Even Pliny the Elder, a famous Roman writer, wrote about Mallorca's wines in the 1st century AD.
Moorish Times and Beyond
Later, during the time when the Moors ruled the island, grape growing and wine making continued. Even though their religion had rules about alcohol, wine was still made. When King Jaume I conquered the island in 1230, he was even offered good quality wine as a peace gift.
A Big Challenge: Phylloxera
In the late 1800s, a tiny bug called phylloxera caused a huge problem. It destroyed almost all the grapevines in Mallorca. Before this, there were about 27,000 hectares (about 67,000 acres) of vineyards. After the bug attacked, many farmers planted almond trees instead of grapes.
Wine Revival
However, in the late 20th century, people started to grow grapes and make wine again. Tourists visiting Mallorca wanted good quality local wines. This helped the wine industry grow back. Binissalem was the first area in Mallorca to get its special DOP status in 1991.
Where is Binissalem DOP?
The Binissalem DOP area is in the middle of Mallorca. It's northeast of the city of Palma. This area is like a high plain with gentle hills. The vineyards are between 125 and 300 meters (about 410 to 984 feet) above sea level. To the north, the Sierra de Alfabia mountains protect the vineyards. These mountains block the cold and wet winds that blow in winter.
The Soil in Binissalem
The soil in Binissalem is loose and doesn't have many nutrients. It's mostly lime over clay. Sometimes, there are hard layers of lime crusts. This type of soil helps the ground hold water, which is important for the grapevines.
Binissalem's Climate
The climate here is called Mediterranean. This means it has hot, sunny summers and short, mild winters. The biggest challenge for grape growers is the intense summer heat. But because the vineyards are on higher ground, the nights are cooler, which helps the grapes. Sometimes, there can be strong winds, frost, or even hail. Most of the rain falls in autumn, often as heavy storms.
Grapes Grown in Binissalem
Many different types of grapes are grown in Binissalem. Each grape variety adds its own special taste to the wines.
Red Grapes
White Grapes
- Prensal Blanc
- Macabeo
- Parellada
- Moscatel de Alejandría
- Moscatel de Grano Menudo
- Chardonnay
See also
In Spanish: Binissalem (vino) para niños
