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Vi de la Terra Eivissa
Protected geographical indication
Protected geographical indication
Protected geographical indication
Protected geographical indication
Protected geographical indication
Protected geographical indication
Protected geographical indication
The authentic flavour of the largest Pityusic Island
'Vi de la Terra Eivissa' wine captures the essence of an island with a rich winemaking tradition dating back to the 7th century BC. Winegrowing in Ibiza has evolved and been perfected since the Phoenician era to the present day. With ideal geoclimatic conditions and carefully selected grape varieties, these wines offer an unparalleled sensory experience, renowned for their quality and singularity.
Ibiza's winegrowing history began in the 7th century BC with the arrival of the Phoenicians, who introduced the vine and developed its cultivation on the island. During the Punic period, Ibizan wines were already well known in the east of the Iberian Peninsula, transported in Phoenician amphorae. The Roman occupation brought new cultivation and winemaking techniques, improving the quality of the wine produced on the island.
The 19th century marked a golden age for winegrowing in Ibiza. The Great French Wine Blight forced French winegrowers to import wine, which boosted production in Ibiza. In 1867, Archduke Ludwig Salvator documented significant winegrowing activity with more than 45 hectares of vineyards and a production of 232 hectolitres. However, the arrival of phylloxera at the end of the 19th century devastated local vineyards. Despite this, Ibizan winegrowers kept the tradition alive throughout the 20th century.
The real Ibiza wine revolution began in the 1990s, when two winemakers decided to focus on quality and invested in modern technology for their wineries. In 1996, the Government of the Balearic Islands officially recognised the ‘Ibiza’ winegrowing region and regulated the use of the ‘Vi de la Terra Eivissa’ indication. In 2003, new regulations were introduced, allowing the production of high-quality varietal wines using varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malvasia and Chardonnay.
The area of grape growing and production of ‘Vi de la Terra Eivissa’ includes the whole island. Ibiza is characterised by its mountainous terrain, with altitudes of no more than 500 metres and small valleys that are ideal for vine cultivation. The soils are mostly clay and reddish-brown, and the climate is dry subtropical Mediterranean with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
The permitted grape varieties for ‘Vi de la Terra Eivissa’ include reds such as Monastrell, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, and whites such as Macabeo, Parellada, Malvasia, Chardonnay and Muscat. The Monastrell red wines stand out for their dark cherry colour and aromas of ripe fruit, sweet strawberry and thyme. The palate is dense, round and warm, with a long, fruity finish. Macabeo white wines are lemon-yellow in colour, with aromas of apple and flowers, and are fresh and balanced on the palate, with a strong ripe fruit finish.
The minimum alcohol content for wines with this indication is 11% for whites, 11.5% for rosés and 12% for reds. All bottles must be labelled with an official control number assigned by the Directorate-General for Agriculture, thus guaranteeing their authenticity and quality.
‘Vi de la Terra Eivissa’ is truly a gem of winemaking that reflects the passion and dedication of its winegrowers, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the spirit and soul of the island. From the ancient Phoenicians to modern winemakers, every glass of Ibiza wine is a journey through the history and flavours of this Mediterranean paradise.
Ibiza
