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Briefly about the drink
Malvasia – a family of grape varieties that has been of great importance for Mediterranean winemaking for a long time. Malvasia is still grown in Greece, where it is supposed to come from, in Italy, the USA, Portugal and a number of other countries. A variety of wines are obtained from grapes: red and white, dry, semi-sweet and sweet, fortified and dessert. The versatility of Malvasia helps it to remain in demand today.
The history of the variety Malvasia
XNUMXth century BC e.–II century AD. e.: It is believed that the origin of grapes is Greek. Some sources claim that the vines were found on the island of Crete. The name comes from the village of Monemvasia, or Monemvasia, which was a strategically important defensive point, as well as a trading post during the heyday of the Venetian Republic. The time of origin is considered to be the Ancient Era.
X century: The written mention of wine in Russian chronicles dates back to this time. Until the XII century, it occupied a high position among imported wines. Due to the high price, this wine was used only within the walls of some churches for communion in the Orthodox rite. Gradually, imports increased, inexpensive wines from Bulgaria and Moldova appeared, thanks to which the popularity of malvasia grew.
XIII century: Grapes originally had rather noble roots, but they quickly gained popularity and were put into mass production. It got to the point that many Venetian merchants called their liquor stores “Malvasi”.
XXI century: The variety is combined with more famous species, for example, Trebbiano. Grapes are grown throughout Italy. It is still involved in mass production, so inexpensive table wines are made from it.
Some do not inspire confidence in the prevalence of varieties and low prices. It seems that this negatively affects the taste and quality. However, this is an incorrect assumption. After all, it is not in vain that the popularity of Malvasia has been holding for more than one millennium.
«Mastro Binelli» Malvasia Sparkling Semi-sweet, 7,5%
Produced in Italy by Cantine Quattro Valli, which is part of the official list of tourist routes. Their products combine tradition and innovation. Sparkling white semi-sweet wine based on the Malvasia di Candia variety. Straw-colored wine with golden hues. The aroma reveals peach, grape and apricot notes. Fruity, light and harmonious on the palate.
Cantine San Giorgio, «Pausania» Malvasia Nera, Salento IGP, 14%
Born in the family winery “Tinazzi”. For 80 years of existence, from a tiny enterprise, it has become a serious competitor in the Italian alcohol market. The production is located in the Italian region of Apulia, and all its stages are carefully controlled. The drink is named after the ancient Greek writer. Variety Malvasia Nera is collected for him by hand. The result is a red dry wine of dark cherry color. Rounded with barely noticeable bitterness, soft tannins and balanced acidity. In the fruity aroma, cherry and plum are the brightest. The aftertaste is sweet.
Quota, Malvazija, 11,5%
The family business Cotar is located in Slovenia. He owns 7,5 hectares of vineyards, located on the once wild and rocky terrain. A distinctive feature of the economy is organic farming. Dry white wine is created from the Malvasia variety. Light golden. It has a complex balanced taste with dominance of flowers. Framed by the sweetness of honey and fresh sourness. Floral aroma absorbed honey and spicy shades. Dried fruits, spices and nuts are read in the aftertaste.
Istria, «Festigia» Malvasia, 13,5%
“Agrolaguna is a Croatian agricultural company that produces the Laguna Histria series. The region is distinguished by the cleanest air and a large number of sunny days, which has a beneficial effect on grapes. The wine is made from 100% Malvasia. The wine is yellow with greenish reflections. The aroma reveals wild flowers, citrus and white fruits. Fresh on the palate with mineral notes and fruity acidity. In the aftertaste, hints of honey and acacia flowers.
Camillo Donati, «My» Malvasia dell’Emilia PGI, 13,5%
Wine production is a family business owned by the Italian family Camillo Donati and his wife. The vineyards were planted by the owner’s grandfather in 1930. Their wine is considered organic because the production methods used do not allow the use of any chemicals or fertilizers. Dry white wine from the Malvasia Di Candia variety. Golden color, sediment is possible due to manufacturing features. The aroma of meadow herbs, honey, dried fruits and juicy citrus fruits. Lively taste has incorporated shades of citrus, stone fruits and minerals. The finish is dry with a slight bitterness.
Relevance: 21.06.2021
Tags: wine and vermouth