Malvasia

Malvasia is not a soloist, but a wide-ranging family of historic vines that have shaped the Mediterranean since antiquity. Its strength lies in an engaging versatility: it brings ripe stone fruit notes, Mediterranean herbs and a fine, structuring phenolics to the glass, often lingering with a delicate almond note on the finish. Whether dry or sweet, Malvasia always possesses a charming texture that pairs excellently with grilled fish.

How spectacularly the variety transports salty sea air is demonstrated by Tenuta di Castellaro on the Aeolian Islands, where it shines alongside Carricante in the Bianco Pomice. In Penedès, Enric Soler uses the grape in his Istiu cuvée alongside Xarel·lo to lend a fine floral depth to the vibrant minerality.