Callet

The Story

Callet is Mallorca's signature red grape—low-tannin, aromatic, quintessentially Mediterranean. Once dismissed as rustic, it's now making some of Spain's most distinctive island wines.

Insider Story

Mallorca's wine industry nearly died. Mass tourism and phylloxera devastated the vineyards; by the 1980s, serious winemaking had almost vanished. But indigenous grapes like Callet survived in old farmer's plots.

The revival came from outsiders with fresh perspective: Anima Negra's founders saw potential where locals saw rustic wine. Their 'ÀN' bottling proved Callet could be world-class.

Callet's character is Mediterranean to the core: aromatic (garrigue herbs, dried figs), low in tannin, moderate in acidity. It's not a blockbuster grape but a subtle, food-friendly one.

The grape grows best on Mallorca's interior plains—Binissalem and Pla i Llevant DOs. Traditional gobelet training and old vines produce the most interesting wines.

Most producers blend Callet with Manto Negro (another Mallorcan grape), Cabernet, or Syrah. Pure Callet is rare but worth seeking—the grape's Mediterranean personality shines through.

Mallorca's tourism has become wine tourism. Restaurants serve local wines; visitors seek authentic experiences. Callet is part of that story.

Technical Deep Dive

Callet produces aromatic, medium-bodied reds with soft tannins, moderate acidity (5-5.5 g/L), and Mediterranean aromatics. Alcohol reaches 13-14%.

Flavor profile: red cherry, dried fig, Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme), anise, pepper, earthy notes. The herbal/earthy character is distinctive.

The grape ripens mid-season and handles Mallorca's heat well. Traditional bush vines (gobelet) are common; some producers use trellising for larger production.

Winemaking: moderate maceration (10-14 days) to avoid over-extraction. Oak aging (6-18 months) is common for premium wines but shouldn't dominate. The grape's aromatics are the star.

Clonal selection is limited—most vines are old field selections. This genetic diversity adds complexity.

Industry Secrets

Pure Callet is rare and prized. Most wines are blends, often dominated by Cabernet or Syrah. Check the back label for percentages.

Anima Negra's 'ÀN' is the benchmark—proof of what Callet can achieve. Expect to pay €25-40.

The grape works as rosé too. Mallorcan rosado from Callet is salmon-pink, herbaceous, Mediterranean—perfect for seaside lunch.

Pair with Mallorcan sobrassada (spreadable chorizo) and local pa amb oli (bread with tomato and oil). Local wines for local food.

More red grapes

• Camaralet
• Canaiolo
• Canaiolo Nero
• Carcajolo Nero
• Cardinal