Manto Negra is an autochthonous grape variety on the island of Mallorca and is actually only found there. When it was created is unclear, but it is certain that it arose from a natural crossing of the indigenous Mallorcan varieties Sabaté and Callet Cas Concos, both of which no longer play a role today. The Manto Negro has large clusters with large, thick-skinned berries and is relatively resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew, but susceptible to rot diseases such as black rot or sour rot. With over 20 percent of the vineyard area, Manto Negro is the most widespread grape variety on the island, although the Binissalem region in the interior alone accounts for the largest part of this. It produces the best results on barren, stony soils. Around half of the Manto Negro harvest is processed into red wine, the second half is used to produce rosé and sparkling wine. The Manto Negro is both pure and blended with other varieties, such as Callet. It is also suitable for aging in barriques. In the hands of good producers, Manto Negro can produce excellent results that do not need to shy away from international comparison. Producers such as José Luis Ferrer, Macia Batle and Anima Negra have proven this impressively.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Cabellis, Cabelis, Moll, Prensal
