The first Red Stars in Menorca and Ibiza, from Gabriel Lucas Dimmock
The Star Wine List map is spreading across the Balearics! As Mallorca Ambassador Gabriel Lucas Dimmock adds our first Red Stars in Menorca and Ibiza, we ask the award-winning sommelier and long-time team member where we should be drinking wine across the islands – just in time for the summer holidays.
Flight attendant turned sommelier turned wine importer Gabriel Lucas Dimmock has reported for Star Wine List from his home of Mallorca since 2021. That same year, he became the Best Sommelier of Spain (ASI) and won the Spanish Ruinart Sommelier Challenge. And what is he up to now?
“Well, I guess I never stop…,” he tells us. “My current position is Wine Director for the Perrin family in Spain, being ambassador for brands like Albert Bichot, Beaucastel, etc. I also create the liquid message in Marc Fosh, a Michelin star restaurant in Palma de Mallorca, where I supervise the sommelier Sabrina Basso and help with the creation of the wine list. I am also happily teaching in universities in Spain about different wine regions, and a WSET teacher for the Balearic Islands.
“Right now, my latest project and where I have been focused for the last year and a half, is in the elaboration of my own wines! They will be released at the end of this year (2025). And don't forget that I also write here!”
We hear you! Speaking of which, Gabriel Lucas has just added four new Red Stars – including our first in Menorca and Ibiza – and updated all venue profiles across his home island of Mallorca to ensure that anyone visiting the Balearics over the summer can make a beeline for a decent glass of wine.
Explore our wine guide to Mallorca, and read more from Gabriel Lucas below.
Gabriel Lucas’ new Red Stars
Burgundi, Palma de Mallorca
Jondal, Ibiza
Jul’s, Ibiza
Ulisses, Menorca
In which part of Mallorca do you live and how is life on the island?
“I live in El Portixol, very close to Palma. It is a beautiful area, in front of the beach and with very good connections and services. The truth is that living in Mallorca is living on an island, but with everything you could need from a big city – we have everything and also calm; it is a perfect mix between an international city with the soul of a Mediterranean island. I like to say that the Mediterraneans have that way of living more leisurely, with love to share and with an incredible passion to enjoy.”
How often do you travel to other islands, such as Ibiza and Menorca?
“Practically every week. For work and training I travel a lot, and especially to Ibiza (I usually go weekly). It is true that, Menorca, I go to less but it is certainly my intention [to go more] this year.”
How does the gastronomic and wine scene vary from one island to another?
“Well, in Ibiza and Formentera, there is an Italian influence and some super luxury that can, at first sight, hide the most traditional corners; even so undoubtedly the exigency is maximum and, thanks to it, we find very great examples of restoration. Also, we must not forget that wine is produced in all the islands – in the case of Ibiza, they have a link with the variety Monastrell that is great.
“If we think of Menorca on the other hand, it has an influence of quieter tourism, more French. It enjoys good restaurants of traditional food – a typical dish would be the caldereta de langosta (lobster stew), and gives us an idea... Their wineries produce wines of different varieties, and quality white wines. Undoubtedly there is a lot of difference and it comes from many years ago.”
Do you have a favorite among your new Red Stars, or a particularly fond memory of any of them?
“I could not keep one or choose one over the other, because at every moment you feel like one thing or another. It is a sincere selection and I know that, every time, thanks to lists like these, they are betting more and more with the wine selection.”
What do you look for in a wine list?
“I look for personality, I look for it to have a varied selection and to discover wine regions or to have good storytelling.”
How can a restaurant or a bar impress you?
“I think that with the personal treatment, after accumulating many lunches and dinners. Without a doubt that they make you feel good is something that is appreciated – the treatment you receive, the smile of the person who attends you, the conversation... if you add to that good products and wines, it is already impressive.”
What would you like to see more of on Mallorca's wine scene?
“A common characteristic in its wines, to be able to describe them in an international tasting on the other side of the world.”
You are preparing for the high tourist season, what is it like to live on the island with the influx of tourists every summer?
“You have to get used to being in the car more time than you would like because of the traffic jams, to get used to booking everything with much more time, not to go to some beaches. If you were born here, you are more or less used to it, although it is a pity.”
What should visitors do?
“Enjoy, be respectful but enjoy – that's why they come. Tourism is our main source of income, so hopefully they will continue to come in a controlled way.”
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