Ibiza is a unique region that produces traditional wines. Among the main varieties are reds such as Merlot, Cabernet, Monastrell and whites such as Chardonnay, Macabeo and Malvasia.
In this article, we will review the wine history of the region, its geographical and climatic characteristics and the wines of Ibiza and Formentera.
The wine history of Ibiza
Curiously, the wine activity on the island began in the 7th century B.C. with the Phoenicians. At that time, the knowledge of the inhabitants in the area of wine production was so important that they were responsible for expanding production to different areas of the peninsula.
With the arrival of the Romans, the activity was improved thanks to the new cultivation techniques and processes they introduced for the production of Ibiza wines.
The beginning of the 19th century was a key period for the cultivation of vines, since France, one of the main producers and consumers, lost its production due to a plague and was forced to import wines.
However, at the end of the same century the same plague attacked Ibiza to such an extent that the recovery of wine growing activity in the area took several decades.
From the 20th century to the 21st century, the activity resurged. An example of this resurgence is the Wine Festival of Sant Mateu, which is celebrated during December and presents the wine known as young wine.
Climate and geography of the island
The orography of the island stands out for having two groupings of mountains with altitudes that do not exceed 500 meters above sea level. Between these mountains key spaces were formed: the valleys. Ideal for the production of Ibiza wines.
The climate is dry subtropical Mediterranean with a large number of hours of sunshine, summers with high and humid temperatures and moderate winters. Rainfall is scarce and concentrated in the autumn months.
Wines from Ibiza and Formentera
In Ibiza you can grow different grape varieties such as:
Red Grapes
- Tempranillo.
- Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Merlot.
- Syrah.
- Mourvèdre.
White Grapes
- Macabeo.
- Parellada.
- Malvasia.
- Chardonnay.
- Muscatel.
- Malvasia.
What Ibiza wines are like
The wines of Ibiza, especially those made with Monastrell, have a cherry color and a bright and transparent texture. The aromas of ripe fruits such as strawberries, perfumed notes and certain reminiscences of thyme which, throughout the history of Ibiza, has been used to prevent the clogging of the fermentation vats stand out.
For this reason, it is a traditional note in Ibiza wines. At the time of tasting, they are dense, round and warm wines with some particularities of eau-de-vie.
White wines such as Macabeo stand out for their yellow color similar to lemon peel, an aroma of ripe fruit similar to apple and flowers. When tasted they have a fresh, balanced taste with a good passage and leave a ripe fruit finish.
Vriullop, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
