The Wine Reference🍷 SupportMalvasia grape
Malvasia is a white grape known for peach, floral, almond. Its best-known homes are Italy, Iberia.
Origin and history
A family name rather than one grape: it covers many unrelated varieties, named after the Greek port of Monemvasia through which Venetian merchants traded sweet wine.
Where it grows
Italy (Frascati, Lipari, Friuli, Sardinia, Piacenza), Spain (Canaries, Rioja, Sitges), Portugal (Madeira, Douro), Croatia's Istria, Slovenia and Greece.
Structure
Typically medium to full body with low to medium acidity; ranges from dry and textured to sweet, dried-grape and fortified styles.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: apricot, peach, orange blossom, almond and sometimes musky spice. With age: honey, dried fruit, nuts and caramel.
Ageing
Dry wines within 1–4 years; sweet passito and fortified Malmsey Madeira can last many decades.
Also known as
Malvasía, Malmsey (Madeira), Malvazija Istarska (Croatia), Malvoisie.
Good to know
Malmsey, the English name for Malvasia wine, was so prized that legend says the Duke of Clarence was drowned in a butt of it in 1478.
Wine regions for Malvasia
Malvasia wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Jermann Vintage Tunina
Friuli-Venezia Giulia · Venezia Giulia · Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia
Rich field-blend white: honey, ripe pear, flowers and herbs, long and textured.
Food: Seafood risotto, white meats, mild cheese
Fontana Candida Frascati Superiore Secco
Lazio · Frascati · Malvasia, Trebbiano
Easy-going Roman white: lemon, apple, almond and a fresh finish.
Food: Carbonara, fried artichokes, light starters
Blandy's 10 Year Old Malmsey Madeira
Madeira · Malvasia
Rich yet tangy: toffee, dried fruit, orange peel and roasted nuts.
Food: Christmas cake, chocolate, hard cheese
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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