Malvasia

Engaging aromas of jasmine coupled with ripe tropical and stone fruit flavors are pervasive in many wines that call themselves Malvasia. Both grape and name are far-reaching. Over 20 different varieties grow throughout Italy, Spain, Greece and other countries.

But variations on the name itself are plentiful too. There are actually approximately 70 registered grapes with Malvasia as part of their name or listed as a synonym for Malvasia. The French call it Malvoisie, Germans call it Malvasier, British say Malmsey and confusingly one variety double-times under the alias, Boal, on the island of Madeira. In any case, Italy actually has more forms of Malvasia than any other country. Most popular are Malvasia Bianca di Candia from Lazio, Malvasia di Candia Aromatico, which is planted widely and the red-skinned Malvasia di Casorzo from Piedmont. The list goes on.

Tasting Notes for Malvasia

Malvasia makes a dry or sweet white wine with with floral and tropical fruit aromas and flavors of white peach, apricot, green herb and seaspray. While it does have some aromatic red variants, Malvasia mainly occurs as a pale-skinned variety.

Perfect Food Pairings for Malvasia

Try Malvasia with spaghetti bottarga or alla carbonara, chestnut tagliatelle, octopus salad or mu shu vegetable.

Sommelier Secrets for Malvasia

Some think that the actual name, Malvasia, stems from the Italian mispronunciation of Monemvasia, a southern Greek port.