| Grape variety |
Malvasia |
| Synonyms |
Malvasia rossa. |
| Grape colour |
Red grape |
| Vigour |
Medium |
| Areas of cultivation |
It is particularly widespread in Piedmont, Istria, Piacentino, Parmense, Puglia (especially in Salento), Basilicata (in the Vulture area), Sicily and Sardinia (especially in Bosa, in the province of Oristano). |
| History |
Believed to be of Greek origin, the Malvasia family has been commercially important to the Mediterranean for more than 2000 years. Malvasia, the name, is a derivation of the coastal Greek town of Monemvasia, where the Venetians had a strategically important fortress and trading post during the time of their empire. |
| Ampelographic features |
Leaf: medium, pentagonal, trilobata.
Bunch: large, elongated pyramid, spatula.
Acino: medium, elliptical, rich black-red walnut skin. |
| Characteristics of the wine obtained from this grape variety |
Tannic wine, but of good freshness and slightly aromatic. It can also be used in purity. |