It's French, Kissed By The Spanish

The late Swiss entrepreneur and legendary winemaker Patrick Léon leaves a part of his legacy in the Mediterranean.

- Justin Choo

Lest we need another reminder, times are good indeed as an oenophile. There’s (arguably) more wine than we can drink in our lifetime, and as such, provenance and a good story become indispensable elements in any label’s success. Which is why to this day, Bordeaux remains the yardstick by which others are measured against, even at a subconscious level.

To the ear at least, Bodega Son Mayol of Mallorca may not strike you as a contemporary of Bordeaux’s finest wineries. But nothing could be further from the truth: it is the brainchild of Patrick Léon, who made his career at Château Mouton-Rothschild, which is one of the leading lights in Southwestern France.

Jewel of the Balearic Sea

Mallorca might have a modern reputation as the trailblazer in European beach tourism, but its terroir is unquestionable. In recent years, its inhabitants are re-embracing its roots and sustainable living through the land. Winemaking and organic farming are gaining prominence in the public eye and there are currently over 70 wine producers in Mallorca. Unbeknownst to the casual drinker, Mallorca has historically been a wine-producing region, dating back to 121 BC when the first vines were introduced. And yes, its wines were historically popular too.