Ribas

The Ribas winery with its over three-​century-​old history, it is the oldest winery of the island. It is located in one of the listed stately homes from the 18^th century that has been preserved intact to date, with its original historic barrel cellar and winemaking warehouse. Pedro Ribas de Cabrera, ancestor of the current owners, started in the year 1711 the construction of the winery.
Today, they host wine tasting along with a sampling of local Mallorcan products. A high percentage of the Majorcan grape varieties Mantonegro and Prensal are grown here in accordance with the family tradition. Bodega Ribas is also known for recovering other native varieties from the island, like Gargollasa, which was practically extinguished, and that now complements the other varietals.
We sampled Ribas de Cabrera, Grape varieties:55% Mantonegro, 40% Syrah and 5% Cabernet
Sauvignon; Ribas Negre 2012, Grape varieties:50% Mantonegro, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; and SIÓ Negre 2012, Grape varieties:50% Mantonegro, 25% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot.

The clear winner this day is Sio Negre. This wine, made mostly with grapes from our old Mantonegro vines, was conceived in the year 2000 as a tribute to their grandmother Sió. Elegant, fruity and deep wine with a mineral base from the calcareous soils of the vineyard. Aged 12 months in 50% new French oak and 50% second year French oak. Alcohol: 14,5%
We bought some bottles of Sio and carried on with our wine tasting adventures. Strongly recommend.