My Visit To The Binifadet Winery: A Menorcan Wine Odyssey

Nestled on the serene island of Menorca, Spain, the Binifadet Winery is a hidden gem that effortlessly marries the art of traditional winemaking with modern innovation. Established in 2004, this picturesque vineyard has quickly established itself as a significant player in the wine world. My visit in the summer of 2023 was nothing short of enchanting, filled with discoveries of unique and flavorful wines set against the backdrop of Menorca’s natural beauty.

The Essence of Binifadet

Upon arrival, the winery’s blend of rustic charm and contemporary design immediately captures the eye. The lush vineyards and elegant facilities, including a stylish tasting room and a restaurant, offer a perfect setting for indulging in local cuisine paired with their exquisite wines. Emphasizing sustainable practices, Binifadet reflects a profound respect for Menorca’s environment, making the experience all the more special.

A standout feature of the Binifadet Winery is its distinctive vineyards, particularly the stonewalled plots known as “Tankas.” These plots are surrounded by traditional Menorcan stone walls that play a crucial role in viticulture on the island. They are meticulously constructed around the vineyard plots, providing essential protection for the grapevines against the strong winds that sweep across Menorca. This not only preserves the integrity of the vines but also creates a unique microclimate within each plot, contributing to the distinct character of each wine.

The Wine Tasting Experience

The highlight of my visit was, undoubtedly, the wine tasting. Here’s a glimpse into the Binifadet wines I had the pleasure of savoring:

Binifadet MERLUZO 2022

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Varietal Composition: A blend of Chardonnay, Malvasia, and Muscat of Alexandria.

Profile: A young, easy-drinking wine, epitomizing a playful Menorcan white. It has a refreshing, light, and aromatic character.

Nose: Features lovely stone fruit aromas.

Palate: Offers notes of peach, apple, and lemon, with vibrant acidity and a hint of minerality.

Finish: Crisp and clean, making it a delightful aperitif or a companion to light dishes.

Binifadet BLANC 2022

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay.

Profile: Fresh, fruity, and embodying the essence of Menorcan white wines.

Color: Pale golden yellow.

Nose: A delightful mix of tropical fruits, citrus, and white flowers.

Palate: Combines tone fruit and orchard fruit flavors with apple and lemon, underpinned by stone and minerality, balanced by crisp acidity.

Finish: Light and zesty, pairing well with seafood and salads.

Binifadet BURI

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay.

Profile: A beautiful sparkling wine made using the traditional Champagne method.

Color: Bright yellow with a fine mousse.

Nose: Aromatic with flowers, honey, and stone fruit.

Palate: Flavors of peach, apple, lemon, minerality, and pastry notes.

Finish: Balanced and refined, suitable for celebrations or as an elegant aperitif.

Binifadet Tanca no 12, 2021

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay.

Profile: Represents island elegance in a glass.

Color: Bright, sun-kissed golden.

Nose: Refreshing notes of white flowers, honey, a touch of oak, and minerality.

Palate: Harmonious blend of ripe stone fruit, minerality, lemon, and nutty tones, with refreshing high acidity.

Finish: Crisp and delightful, leaving citrus and floral notes that linger.

Binifadet ROSADO 2021

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Varietal Composition: Merlot, Syrah, and Monastrell.

Profile: A radiant expression of Menorcan Rosé.

Color: Bright pink.

Nose: Fragrant with raspberries, strawberries, red cherries, and floral notes.

Palate: Light and refreshing, featuring a blend of red berries, citrus, high acidity, and a whisper of sweetness.

Finish: Ideal for warm days, pairs well with light appetizers or Mediterranean cuisine.

Binifadet Pieles, 2019

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay.

Profile: An intriguing orange wine, offering an odyssey of unique flavors.

Color: Deep yellow with an oily consistency.

Nose: Captivating bouquet of ripe stone fruit, ripe pear, honey, minerality, and nuts.

Palate: Layers of stone fruits, citrus peel, and nuts, combined with minerals.

Finish: A thought-provoking wine, suitable for adventurous palates.

Binifadet Tanca No 13, 2021 Rosé

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Varietal: 100% Merlot.

Profile: Captures the essence of a Menorcan sunset.

Color: Radiant blush-pink.

Nose: Charming bouquet of fresh strawberries, raspberries, a hint of vanilla, and citrus blossom.

Palate: A delightful blend of red berries, pomegranate, and citrus, with crisp acidity and minerality.

Finish: Refreshing and elegant, encapsulating Menorcan beauty.

Binifadet NEGRE, 2022

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Varietal Composition: Merlot, Syrah, and Monastrell.

Profile: A fresh and fruit-forward Menorcan red.

Color: Luminous ruby red.

Nose: Fruit-forward with plum, red fruit, cherry, raspberry, balsamic, vanilla, and oak.

Palate: Ripe red and black fruit flavors with a touch of spice and earthiness, high acidity, and soft tannins.

Finish: Smooth and fruity, excellent with hearty dishes.

Binifadet 2 Tankas, 2020

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Varietal Composition: Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet.

Profile: A representation of sunny Menorcan elegance.

Color: Rich and deep ruby.

Nose: Fresh red fruit, cherry, redcurrants, blackcurrant, and raspberry.

Palate: Balanced with ripe dark fruits (blackberries, plums), subtle spice, velvety tannins, and a hint of oak.

Finish: Smooth and lingering, pairs well with robust meat dishes or aged cheeses.

My experience at the Binifadet Winery was an enlightening journey through the diverse flavors and styles of Menorcan wines. Each wine, with its unique profile and characteristics, offered a glimpse into the innovative spirit and respect for tradition that Binifadet embodies. This winery not only showcases the potential of Menorcan viticulture but also provides a delightful setting for experiencing the fusion of wine, food, and culture in one of Spain’s most beautiful islands.