Miquel Oliver: AÍA & Son Caló – Cata de vino en Palma

When I think of a relaxed evening with Mallorcan wine, I picture exactly this scenario: a small, friendly event in Palma where Miquel Oliver presented his AÍA and Son Caló wines. It was late December, cool outside, warm inside and full of snippets of conversation. Around fifty people tasted, discussed and exchanged addresses — a typical mix of locals and people who live or spend time here. AÍA is the powerful red: dark fruit, herbs from the Tramuntana and a firm structure. Son Caló, by contrast, is fresh, with citrus notes and a subtle salty edge, perfect with seafood. These were paired with small, well-thought-out bites from Ca'n Amer in Inca — marinated octopus, sobrasada rolls and a small apricot tart as a sweet finish. I like evenings like this because they're informal: you get to know the wines properly without it feeling stiff. The next edition had already been announced for April — a good reason to book early and nurture pleasant acquaintances.

Miquel Oliver Vinyes i Bodegues (Petra)

Miquel Oliver Vinyes i Bodegues is a family-run winery in Petra focusing on Mallorcan grape varieties. I've visited the estate several times: the atmosphere is down-to-earth, the vineyards sit on calcareous soils and look well tended, with old Garnacha vines alongside newer plantings. AÍA is considered their flagship — a red with good density, often composed of Callet and Fogoneu, showing dark berries, a hint of liquorice and Mediterranean herbs. In the glass there is a slightly mineral structure I appreciate in many island wines. Son Caló is their white; it presents freshness, citrus and a delicate saline note, making it a good match for fish dishes. Harvest usually takes place from late September to October, partly by hand; in the cellar they combine traditional and modern techniques: spontaneous fermentations alongside temperature-controlled tanks. Tours often include barrel samples and small blends — ask for older vintages like 2018 or 2020 if you want to compare years. Pricewise AÍA sits in the higher segment, while Son Caló is more accessible. The winery ships within Europe and offers tastings in several languages; visitors should call ahead and make an appointment. Petra itself is a pleasant village with square cafés — ideal for a lunch after the cellar tour.

Cellar Ca'n Amer (Inca)

Cellar Ca'n Amer is a cellar in Inca that provided the tapas for the tasting. (The original German text repeats the winery description, but at the event Ca'n Amer offered thoughtfully prepared small dishes.)

abcMallorca gourmet evening (Wineing, Palma)

The monthly gourmet evenings in Palma are a pleasant chance to meet regional producers. Usual time: 18:00–20:00, location varies, often in the historic La Lonja quarter. Events are deliberately kept small so people can taste and chat in peace. Registration is usually by email; places are limited. Ideal for an easy evening with friends or for people who want to expand their wine knowledge.

Practical tips for wine tastings in Mallorca

Small practical notes: book tours in advance; avoid the hot days of July for cellar visits; ask actively about grape varieties and vintages; taste whites and reds side by side to notice differences. When possible, buy directly from the producer — you’ll often find special bottlings not available in shops. And take your time: Mallorcan wines reveal their stories best when you listen and ask questions.