The Terroir

The unique terroir at Ses Talaioles determines the distinctiveness of the wines. The hillside facing the sea offers ideal climatic conditions.

The location & the climate

At the foothills of the
Llevant mountains

Map of Mallorca

Ses Talaioles is located in the east of Mallorca in the foothills of the Llevant Mountains near the small fishing port town of Porto Cristo. The east-facing vineyards ensure an ideal combination of sunshine and fresh sea breezes.

Although mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers determine the climate on the Balearic island, Ses Talaioles has the great advantage that, especially during the hot, dry summer, daily gusty, onshore winds from the Mediterranean cool down the vineyards. This leads to the preservation of the fruit aromas and protects the vineyards against vine diseases.

"The updrafts from the nearby coast give our vines the fresh coolness they need."

Federico Zaina Winemaker, Finca Ses Talaioles
The geology

Soils -
mirrors of the
earth's history

The slopes of Ses Talaioles present a highly interesting geological profile thanks to the great natural events that have occurred in earth’s history. Deposits of mountain rock from the Tramuntana mountains and layers of sea deposits from the nearby Mediterranean alternate with white limestone marl. The diverse composition of the soils requires a distinct selection of grape varieties.

Unique soils
formed in the
Jurassic period

  • Calcareous marl Cailloutis

    The typical Mallorcan "cailloutis" resembles a soft limestone marl pebble. It lies on hard limestone formed in the tertiary period and is interspersed with partly clayey layers. This calcareous marl pebble creates a buffer zone for the roots that aerates and naturally decompresses. At the same time, its meandering path structure leads to winding roots, which in turn has a positive influence on the complexity of the wines.

  • Sandy lime

    An exception for the island: sandy limestone on a fresh limestone marl consisting of a lime vein.

  • Red-brown clay

    Clay on tertiary, hard, calcareous bedrock; the strong presence of calcium in the soil allows for perfect soil structuring and natural aeration

The typical Mallorcan "cailloutis" resembles a soft limestone marl pebble. It lies on hard limestone formed in the tertiary period and is interspersed with partly clayey layers. This calcareous marl pebble creates a buffer zone for the roots that aerates and naturally decompresses. At the same time, its meandering path structure leads to winding roots, which in turn has a positive influence on the complexity of the wines.

An exception for the island: sandy limestone on a fresh limestone marl consisting of a lime vein.

Clay on tertiary, hard, calcareous bedrock; the strong presence of calcium in the soil allows for perfect soil structuring and natural aeration

The Grape Varieties

"The grape varieties are our medium, that transports the nature of the place of origin."

The health of the plants comes first at Ses Talaioles. The vines must feel at home and their health must be maintained in balance. When selecting, the focus was therefore on varieties that would withstand the climatic and geological conditions. Each grape variety should be able to optimally unfold its characteristics.

The vineyards at Ses Talaioles comprise a combination of autochthonous local varieties that already feel at home on Mallorca as well as proven international grape varieties and clones. Besides, you can still find ancient varieties on Mallorca that were able to survive the destructive phylloxera plague on small wineries, some of which are also being tested at Ses Talaioles.

As for the rootstocks, only the lime-resistant types stand a chance in the Ses Talaioles soils. The selection of the specific combination of grape variety, clone, and rootstock is always adapted to the local soil and microclimatic conditions.

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  • Autochthonous grape varieties
    • Manto Negro
    • Callet
    • Giro Ros
  • International grape varieties
    • Cabernet Sauvignon, clone 169, 1124 & 1125
    • Merlot, clone 184, 343
    • Syrah, clone 174, 470, 471
    • Tempranillo, clone RJ - 51
  • Rootstocks
    • 1103 Paulsen
    • 110 Richter
    • Fercal

"For me, Ses Talaioles is the most beautiful finca of my life - with the best team. Thank you!"

Antonio Ballester Manager 1992-2022,Finca Ses Talaioles
The craft

"Our team is part
of the terroir"

In addition to the hillside exposure and the climatic and geological conditions, our team forms an essential part of the Ses Talaioles terroir. A unique wine can only mature thanks to a unique team and its depth of local experience. Craftsmanship, both in the vineyard and in the wine cellar, is carried out with passion and a focus on responding optimally to the natural conditions. The careful handling of the plants and fruits shows reverence for nature and the end product.

At Ses Talaioles, the wine is not "designed" according to contemporary tastes. Instead we focus on supporting it in developing its highest natural potential.

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Ses Talaiolos - Banner background with grapes

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