Malvasia wine: history + review of 5 brands

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 presumably comes from, in Italy, the USA, Portugal and a number of other countries. Grapes are used to make a variety of wines: red and white, dry, semi-sweet and sweet, fortified and dessert. The versatility of mallow helps it to remain in demand even today.

History of the Malvasia variety

IV century BC.е. э.-II century n. э.: 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 defense 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, and inexpensive wines from Bulgaria and Moldova appeared, making Malvasia more popular.

XIII century: The grape initially had rather noble roots, but it quickly gained popularity and was put into mass production. It got to the point where many Venetian merchants called their wine shops "Malvasi".

XXI century: The variety is combined with more famous types, for example, Trebbiano. Grapes are grown throughout Italy. It is also used in mass production, so it is used to make inexpensive table wines.

Some people do not trust the prevalence of varieties and low prices. It seems that this negatively affects the taste and quality. However, this is an incorrect assumption. It is not for nothing that Malvasia has been popular for more than a millennium.

"Mastro Binelli" Malvasia Sparkling Semidolce, 7.5%

It is 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 Malvasia di Candia. The wine is straw-colored with golden tints. The aroma reveals peach, grape and apricot notes. The taste is fruity, light and harmonious.

Cantine San Giorgio, "Pausania" Malvasia Nera, Salento IGP, 14%

Born in the family winery "Tinazzi". For 80 years of its existence, it has become a serious competitor in the Italian alcohol market from a tiny enterprise. Production is located in the Italian region of Puglia, and all its stages are carefully controlled. The drink is named after the ancient Greek writer. The Malvasia Nera variety is harvested by hand. The result is a red dry wine with a dark cherry color. Rounded with subtle bitterness, soft tannins and balanced acidity. The fruity aroma is dominated by cherry and plum. The aftertaste is sweetish.

Cotar, Malvazija, 11.5%

The Cotar family enterprise is located in Slovenia. It owns 7.5 hectares of vineyards located in the once wild and rocky terrain. A distinctive feature of the farm is organic farming. White dry wine is made from the Malvasia variety. Light golden in color. It has a complex balanced taste with a dominance of flowers. Framed by the sweetness of honey and fresh acidity. Floral aroma with honey and spicy hints. Dried fruits, spices and nuts are read in the aftertaste.

Istria, "Festigia" Malvazija, 13.5%

"Agrolaguna is a Croatian agricultural company that produces the Laguna Histria series. The region is characterized 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 in color with greenish reflections. The aroma reveals wild flowers, citrus and white fruits. Fresh on the palate with mineral notes and fruity acidity. Hints of honey and acacia flowers on the palate.

Camillo Donati, "Il Mio" Malvasia dell'Emilia IGP, 13.5%

Wine production is a family business owned by the Italian family of 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 include any chemicals or fertilizers. White dry wine from the Malvasia di Candia variety. Golden color, possible sediment due to the peculiarities of production. Aromas of meadow herbs, honey, dried fruits and juicy citrus fruits. The lively taste incorporates hints of citrus, stone fruit and minerals. The finish is dry with a slight bitterness.

Update: 21.06.2021

Category: Wine and Vermouth