Binisalem

The town is situated at an altitude of 139 meters and is one of the most important wine growing regions of the island. The vineyards stretch out in between the municipalities of Santa Maria del Cami, Binisalem, Sancellas, Consell and Santa Eugenia. The wines produced in this region, who meet the standards of the established controls, receive the Denomination of Origin of Binisalem.

In 1988, a group of wine growers from the area, known for its great wine growing tradition, applied for the assignment of the Denomination of Origin Binissalem. After the necessary consultations the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries approved the DO Binissalem on an temporary base . A provisional Council was established to draft a project of regulations.

The regulations of the DO Binissalem were approved by the Government of the Balearic Islands in the end of 1989 and ratified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 1991.

The wine growing tradition of the area dates from the first century AD,after the Roman conquest. At that time these wines could compete with the best wines of Italy.

The wine growing area stretches out over 600 ha and counts 15 registered winegrowers.

The mountain range of Alfabia or Tramuntana protects the vineyards from the cold northerly winds, creating a mild micro climate. The climate can be qualified as mild Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and short winters. The average annual precipitation is about 450 mm.

The land consists of sediments rich in calcium, creating brown-red or a brown-lime soil that sometimes contains calcareous crusts. The relief is smooth. The vineyards are situated at an altitude ranging between 75 and 200 meters above sea level.

Binisalem ( in Catalan and officially : Binissalem) is a municipality in the autonomous community of Balearic Islands. According to linguists, the town's name may derive either from Banu Ssalam (sons of peace) or Banu Ssalim (sons of Ssalim).

Binisalem is located in the centre of the island of Mallorca, in the district of Raiguer. It counts 6773 inhabitants according to the census of 2007. The surface area is 29.8 square kilometres, with a population density of 212 inhabitants per square kilometre.