IN BREVE
- The 2026 harvest in Mallorca began two weeks early, with wineries receiving 15,829.15 quintali of grapes.
- High temperatures influenced the harvest, with varieties such as Chardonnay and Merlot among the first to be picked.
- Potential alcohol levels are more moderate due to reduced temperature variation, producing fresher grapes.
- Despite the heat, grape sanitary conditions are good, limiting fungal diseases and improving overall quality.
- The grape registration system is now operational in 85% of wineries, simplifying load accounting.
The 2026 harvest in Mallorca began two weeks early. Wineries registered under the Igp Vi de la Terra Mallorca have already received 15,829.15 quintali of grapes. Forecasts indicate overall production close to last year’s levels, accompanied so far by high quality and excellent sanitary condition of the clusters.
Harvest began on July 21, influenced by high temperatures and successive heat waves recorded since late June. The first grapes brought to the winery are mainly Chardonnay, Giró Ros, and Sauvignon blanc, followed by Malvasia, Merlot, and Syrah. The latter, thanks to its early ripening, is also used to complete rosé production.
“In terms of production, we should reach levels very similar to last year’s – explained Vi de la Terra Mallorca president Mateu Morro – although much will depend on individual varieties.” In 2025, the denomination’s wineries processed a total of 53,120.6 quintali of grapes.
LESS SUGAR AND LIGHTER WINES
The heat is not automatically translating into higher alcohol levels. The reduced temperature variation between day and night limits sugar accumulation in the berries.
“We’re noticing that potential alcohol levels are more moderate. The plant doesn’t produce as much sugar because it would need a temperature variation between day and night that we’re not experiencing – Morro stated –. For whites and rosés we are therefore harvesting much fresher grapes, with a potential degree of 12 or 12.5, suitable for producing lighter wines.”
Attention now shifts to red varieties, which require more advanced ripening both in terms of alcohol and aromatics. The behavior of Prensal blanc, a widely planted local variety with later ripening, is also highly anticipated.
HEALTHY GRAPES, BUT HEAT REMAINS AN UNKNOWN
According to the regulatory council, the grapes delivered show particularly good sanitary conditions. High temperatures have limited the development of fungal diseases, while preventive work and phytosanitary treatments have contained the green leafhopper, a pest that in recent years had severely affected the island’s vineyards.
The vines still feel the effects of the severe drought of previous vintages, but winter rains have improved water reserves. “The vineyards reached harvest in a more favorable condition compared to other years – added Mateu Morro –. The differentiating factor remains the heat, which has given no respite. It’s a situation the vines have never experienced before, and we’re waiting to understand how they will react. For now, however, the quality of the grapes delivered is exceptional.”
VI DE LA TERRA MALLORCA: 85 WINERIES AND 2,064 HECTARES
The Igp Vi de la Terra Mallorca currently brings together 85 wineries and 350 grape growers, with a production area registered for the 2026-2027 campaign totaling 2,064 hectares. During this harvest, the connection between the digital grower registry, introduced last year, and the wineries’ wine registries was also completed.
When a load is accepted, the quantity of grapes is automatically entered into the company register, avoiding double accounting. The system is already operational in 85% of the wineries registered under the Igp.
