Contents
Malvasia is the common name for several grape varieties that originated in the Mediterranean region, Madeira, the Balearic and Canary Islands, and have now spread throughout the world. This category includes the following types of Malvasia: Bianca (Bianca), di Schierano (di Schierano), Negra (Negra), Nera (Nera), Nera di Brindisi (Nera di Brindisi), etc.
Malvasia wine is produced in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Corsica, the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, Madeira, some US states (for example, California), Australia and Brazil.
From the berries of the Malvasia varieties, both white and red table wines are made, as well as dessert and fortified variations, so the characteristics of the drink cannot be determined only by the name.
Historical information
Most researchers agree that the Malvasia family of varieties appeared in ancient times on the Greek island of Crete. The very name of the grape, perhaps, comes from the word Monemvasia, the name of a medieval Byzantine fortress, which was an important center for the wine trade of that time.
There is another version that suggests the origin of the term from the Malevizi region. Be that as it may, it is reliably known that Malvasia – or rather, its sweetest variation Malmsey (Malmsey) – was one of the three most exported Greek wines in the Middle Ages.
Features of the variety
Despite the fact that the subspecies of Malvasia differ from each other, they have many common features. All varieties of this group prefer a dry climate and the same soil. In conditions of high humidity, Malvasia grapes are susceptible to diseases such as gray rot. The vine is fertile and gives a good harvest – sometimes even too plentiful, so growers have to control its volume so that the quality of the drink does not suffer.
Most wines are made from the Malvasia Bianca variety or its close relatives. Sweetish drinks with a characteristic aroma and rich color are obtained. These full-bodied wines have a “smooth structure”, and notes of peach, apricot, white currant can be traced in the bouquet.
Fortified malvasia is characterized by increased acidity and smoky notes, after exposure, shades of nuts appear. However, this wine is not recommended to be stored for more than a few years.
Malmsy
Previously, the terms “Malvasia” and “Malmsy” were synonymous, but now, however, the first name refers to white, non-fortified table or dessert wines, and the second to the sweet variation of Madeira. At the same time, the same grape varieties are used for both types of drink.
Wine regions of Malvasia varieties
Most varieties are closely related to Malvasia Bianca. The only major exception is Malvasia di Candia, which belongs to a different subspecies. Bianca is widely distributed throughout the world, in particular, it can be found in Italy, the USA, Greece, and the Canary Islands. In central Italy, Malvasia is often blended with Trebbiano or Macabeo to add body and aroma to the wine.
Croatia
Malvazija Istarska. It is named after the Istrian peninsula, belonging simultaneously to Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. One of the main white wines of the region, appeared thanks to Venetian merchants who brought vines from Greece at one time.
Italy
Malvasia Istriana. Grown in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in the Collio DOC and Isonzo DOC appellations. Italian variation of Malvasia from the Istrian peninsula. In the Emilia region, it is used to make sparkling wine called “champagne”, which means “little champagne”.
Malvasia di Grottaferrata, Malvasia di Bosa, Malvasia di Planargia. Dessert variety made from raisined grapes. In the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, such a sweet “raisin” wine was very popular, but after the Second World War, its production fell into decline. Today, only a few winemakers produce dessert Malvasia.
Malvasia delle Lipari. A dessert wine made on the northeast coast of Sicily. Distinguished by distinct citrus notes in the taste, it was especially popular just before the phylloxera epidemic, and has experienced a resurgence since the 1980s.
Malvasia nera. A rare representative of red Malvasia, especially valued for its rich color and exquisite aroma. Cultivated in the Piedmont region, two appellations: DOC Malvasia di Casorzo and Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco. Now this variety is often mixed with Negroamaro grapes, and about 30-40 years ago, Sangiovese was its constant “blend partner”, especially in Tuscany. Wines from Malvasia Nera are distinguished by chocolate notes in the bouquet, smack of plums and flowers.
Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia Puntinata, Malvasia di Lazio. These varieties are grown in the Italian region of Lazio, near the town of Frascati. They are often blended with each other to give the wine a pronounced and stable taste.
Portugal
In Portugal, at least 12 varieties are known, one way or another related to Malvasia.
Malvasia Fina. Another name is Boal. Cultivated in the Douro DOC appellation, used to produce white port.
Malvasia candida. It is important not to confuse with the subspecies di Candia. It grows on the island of Madeira, is used to produce the sweetest variety of Malvasia – Malmsy.
Malvasia Rei. It grows in the Douro, Beiras and Lisboa regions.
Malvasia Corada. A synonym for Vital variety. Possibly unrelated to the real Malvasia.
Malvasia da Trincheira. The synonym for the white variety for the production of port wine is Folgasão. Possibly unrelated to the real Malvasia.
Slovenia
Istrska Malvazija. It grows in the Slovenian part of the Istrian peninsula. Overripe berries make an excellent dessert wine with a strength of about 12%.
How to drink Malvasia wine
Specific gastronomic pairings depend on the type and manufacturer, since Malvasia can be very different. However, it is believed that nuts, blue cheeses, risotto, salads, grapes, and white meat go well with all the wines of this group.
Famous manufacturers
The list of the best Malvasia wines includes products from the following manufacturers: Barbeito, Haunter, Damijan Podversic, Zidarich, Tenuta Capofaro, etc.