Malvasia

Malvasia has been cultivated in Europe for 2,000 years. Its origin is thought to be from the Aegean Sea area, between Turkey and Greece. Malvasia is primarily a white wine grape, but it has many known red subvarieties including Malvasia Nera. Malvasia Nera is mostly grown in Puglia. Malvasia is one of two white grapes allowed in Chianti's blend, Trebbiano being the other. It is also blended with Trebbiano to produce Frascati, Marino, Est!Est !!Est!!!, and Galestro. All are DOC zones. Malvasia is one white grape that does have the potential to produce bold wines able to age well. It does, however, oxidize rather quickly. It is not a high-yielding vine and has begun to be replaced by grapes like Trebbiano.

Malvasia Bianca: Sub-variety used in a wide range of DOC blends and especially popular for the making of Vin Santo.

Malvasia Istriana: One of the most characteristic varieties, it produces fruity, crisp, dry white wines.

Malvasia Nera di Basilicata: Dark and highly tannic red used for blending.
 
Malvasia Nera di Brindisi: Major variety of the Salentine peninsula, it is used mostly in blends with Negroamaro grape to soften the latter's strong, bitter, chocolaty flavor in blends such as the Salice Salentino DOC and the Brindisi Rosso wines.
 
Malvasia Nera di Lecce: Variety of red Malvasia unique to the Salentine peninsula, it is used mostly in blends with Negroamaro grape.

Home Wine List Explore Italy Food & Wine Learn About Wine News & Events Our Service Privacy Security Terms & conditions © Amordivino (UK) Limited 2008