Pla i Llevant (DO)
Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) | |
Year established | 2001 |
---|---|
Country | Spain |
No. of vineyards | 439 hectares (1,085 acres) |
No. of wineries | 13[2] |
Wine produced | 15,189 hectolitres |
Comments | Data for 2016 / 2017 |
Pla i Llevant is a Spanish
History
During the centuries of
Before the arrival of the phylloxera plague at the end of the 19th century, there were about 27,000 hectares (67,000 acres) under vines in Majorca and exports were 300,000 hl (8,000,000 gallons) of wine per year. After the devastation of the virus however, most of the vineyards were replaced by almond trees. In the late 20th century, there was a revival of the wine industry due to the demand for quality wine by tourists.
In 1991 the area was classified as Vinos de la Tierra, and, in 2001, 250 hectares (620 acres) were upgraded to DO status.
Geography
The vineyards are located in the areas known as Felanitx and Manacor which cover the central and eastern part of the island.
They are at a rather low altitude, around 100 m (330 ft) above sea level.
Soils
The soils are quite fertile, have a high clay and limestone content and are on lime-bearing rocks (marl and dolomite). The drainage is good and allows deep penetration of the roots. The soils are generally either red in colour due to the presence of iron oxide, or white due to the clays, calcium carbonate and magnesium.
Climate
The climate is maritime Mediterranean, with long dry hot summers and short mild winters. In winter a strong wind is characteristic, especially on the plains, while there is not much risk of frosts or fog.
The average annual rainfall is 425 mm (16.7 in), falling mainly in autumn is the form of violent storms.
Authorised Grape Varieties
The authorised grape varieties are:
- Red:
- White: Chardonnay, Macabeo, Moscatel de Alejandría, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Parellada, Prensal Blanc, Riesling, Giró Ros, and Viognier
The older vines are usually planted as low bushes (en vaso) whereas the newly planted vines are usually on
References
- ^ "Denominación de Origen Protegida "Pla i Llevant"". Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ "DOP Pla i llevant". www.doplaillevant.com. Retrieved 15 January 2020.