World Famous Grapes
Malvasia
Malvasia is predominantly found on volcanic islands (Sicily, Canary, Greece).
About Malvasia
The Malvasia name is used for dry white wines, semi dry white wines, dessert wines, red wines, and fortified wines, using the same grape.
The Malvasia grape is also used in blends, such as in Italian Vin Santo.
On the island of Madeira, the names Malvasia and Malmsey have been used interchangeably for sweet Malvasia wines; however, "Malmsey" is now used exclusively for a sweet Madeira wine made from the Malvasia grape.
Malvasia wines are produced in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Australia and USA.
Malvasia Istriana (Italy)
In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Dry Malvasia is also known as Malvasia Istriana.
The name comes from the Istria peninsula (parts of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia).
DOC regions are Collio DOC and Isonzo DOC. In the Colli Piacentini region of Emilia it is also used to make the sparkling wine locally named Champagnino ("little champagne").
Malvasia Secco (Italy)
In Sardinia, Dry Malvasia is best known as Malvasia Secco.
DOC regions are Malvasia di Bosa di Sardegna, Malvasia di Cagliari.
Sweet Malvasia
The Malvasia delle Lipari variety from the volcanic Aeolian Islands of Sicily is a sweet (150 g/l sugar) wine known for its distinctive orange notes.
In Toscana, Malvasia is used to produce Vin Santo.
Sweet Malvasia from Sardinia is known as Malvasia di Bosa and Malvasia di Planargia.
Sweet Malvasia from Lazio is called Malvasia di Grottaferratao.
Red Malvasia
Malvasia Nera is a red wine variety primarily used as a blending grape, because of the color and aromas it can add to a wine (black plum, rich chocolate, and floral aromas). In Puglia it is blended with Negroamaro. In Toscana it can be a blending grape in Chianti.
Malvasia Flavors
Malvasia is lush, rich, and intensely sweet with notes of Chocolate, Caramel, Nuts, Raisins and Molasses.
 Vanilla |
 Caramel |
 Hazelnut |
 Walnut |
 Raisins |
 Honey |
 Molasses |
 Cinnamon |
Malvasia Profile
Malvasia is sweet complex with good acidity.
| SUGAR: | Very Sweet (63-117 g/l) |
| BODY: | Medium - Full |
| ACIDITY: | Medium Plus |
| ALCOHOL | 20% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 16°C (61°F) |
Madeira Styles
The 4 styles of Madeira wines are named after the grapes used to produce the wine. Ranging from the driest to the sweetest, the Madeira types are:
| Grape | Sugar |
|---|---|
| Sercial (Dry) | 09-27 g/l |
| Verdelho (Medium dry) | 27-45 g/l |
| Boal (Medium sweet) | 45-63 g/l |
| Malvazia (Sweet) | 63-117 g/l |
Food Pairing Malvasia
You can pair Malvasia with Intense Desserts, Ice Cream, and Cheese, or just sit with a glass by the fireside.
Malvasia is dessert in itself. It is also deliciuos with a cigar.
 Digestive |
 Dark Chocolate |
 Chocolate Mousse |
 Chocolate Cake |
 Tiramisu |
 Crème Brûlée |
 Pastry |
 Ice Cream |
 Biscuits |
 Panforte |
 Cream Cake |
 Dried Fruit |
Excellent Pairing
Chocolate Cake. Rich Fruitcake. Cream Cakle.
Tiramisu. Crème Brûlée. Crème Caramel.
Chocolate Pudding. Chocolate Brownies.
Ice Cream. Dark Chocolate.
Nut-based Pastries. Pecan Pie.
Caramelized Desserts.
The Ideal Glass for Malvasia
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A Small Tulip Shaped glass consentrates the flavors (nutty, chocolatey, fruity) near the rim for enhanced aroma enjoyment. The narrow opening helps to capture rich and deep aromas, making each sip more flavorful. Malvasia is usually served slightly chilled. A stemmed glass maintains the optimal temperature by preventing your hand from warming the wine. |
Malvasia Cheese Pairing
Malvasia pairs very well with rich blue cheeses, but can also be enjoyed with aged and matured cheeses.
The flavours of a salty cheese and a sweet Malvasia are both strong enough to stand up to each other.
