Lazio's Grapes: Malvasia, Trebbiano

Malvasia

This ancient white grape variety is more of a family of varities than a single varietal. The grape varieties family includes Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia di Schierano, Malvasia Negra, Malvasia Nera, Malvasia Nera di Brindisi and a number of other varieties. As a close family they often exhibit flavours of peaches and apricots. With short ageing they can develop a nuttiness, usually after 2-3 years. They often lack the acidity for long term aging, but in blends can add character. They take their name from the Greek port of Monemvasia, through which many rich dessert wines passed in the middle ages. It is used to create a range of desert wines from White Port and Maderia though to Vin Santo in Italy. Malvasia was grown historically in the Mediterranean region, but now grown in many of the winemaking regions of the world including Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Corsica, the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, the island of Madeira, California, Arizona, Australia and Brazil.

Trebbiano