The Malvasia
Grape
A group of grape varieties that includes both white and black grapes, found throughout the Mediterranean and on many of its islands. Malvasia wines can vary widely but are often aromatic, ranging from dry to sweet, and can exhibit flavors of peach, apricot, honey, and spice. It is used in the production of still, sparkling, and dessert wines, including some of the world's most famous fortified wines.
Malvasia
Grape History
The Malvasia grape is a white wine grape variety with a long and storied history that dates back to ancient times. This versatile grape is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Greece, and has since spread across various wine-producing countries, making it one of the most widely cultivated grape varieties in the world.
Throughout history, Malvasia grapes have been highly prized for their aromatic qualities and their ability to produce a wide range of wine styles. The grape variety is known for its high sugar content, which makes it ideal for producing sweet and fortified wines, as well as dry and sparkling wines. Malvasia grapes are also popular for blending with other grape varieties to enhance the flavor profile of the final wine.
Malvasia grapes are grown in many wine regions around the world, including Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, and the Canary Islands. Each region imparts its own unique characteristics to the wine produced from Malvasia grapes, resulting in a diverse range of wine styles that showcase the grape's versatility.
One of the most famous wines made from Malvasia grapes is Malvasia Bianca from Italy. This wine is known for its floral and fruity aromas, with flavors of peach, apricot, and citrus. Malvasia wines are often aged in oak barrels to add complexity and depth to the final product.
The projected future of Malvasia grape varieties looks bright, as winemakers continue to experiment with different winemaking techniques and styles to showcase the grape's unique characteristics. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in native grape varieties like Malvasia, as consumers seek out more authentic and distinctive wines.
In conclusion, the Malvasia grape variety has a rich history and a promising future in the world of winemaking. Its versatility, unique characteristics, and ability to produce a wide range of wine styles make it a favorite among winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Malvasia wines continue to delight and surprise with their complexity and depth.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel