Callet & Mantonegro Reds

The island of Mallorca has a long tradition of wine production (dating back to 121 BC). There are a number of indigenous varieties - Callet, Mantonegro and the white Premsal, and more than enough international stuff - Cabernet, etcetera, plus smatterings of 'Spanish' varieties. Mediterranean in climate, with short mild winters and hot dry summers, there are mountainous areas but wine grapes perform best in the south-west, in rolling hills. The soils are loose and stony, with a high proportion of lime but little clay or nutrient.