A Mediterranean Heritage of Aromatic Excellence
Malvasia represents one of the Mediterranean's most historic and characterful grape families, with a heritage dating back to ancient Greece and a significant role in the trading empires of Venice and beyond.
This diverse family of varieties—ranging from Malvasia Bianca to Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Malvasia Istriana and beyond—has found exceptional expression across Italy, from Friuli in the north to Sicily in the south, as well as in neighbouring countries like Spain (known as Malvasía), Croatia, and Greece.
Our carefully curated collection showcases the remarkable versatility of Malvasia in its various incarnations, from crisp dry whites to complex skin-contact expressions and luxuriously sweet dessert wines that have been prized by nobility for centuries.
An Aromatic Symphony of Flavour Profiles
What unites the Malvasia family is its distinctive aromatic character, though expressions vary widely depending on specific variety, terroir, and winemaking approach. In its dry forms, Malvasia typically displays enchanting floral aromatics reminiscent of orange blossom, jasmine, and acacia, complemented by notes of ripe stone fruits, Mediterranean herbs, and sometimes delicate spice.
On the palate, quality examples offer a fascinating interplay between rich, often slightly oily texture and refreshing acidity that keeps the wines balanced. The more aromatic versions, particularly Malvasia di Candia Aromatica from Emilia-Romagna, can present pronounced muscat-like qualities, while Malvasia Istriana from Italy's northeast often shows more restraint with pronounced minerality. Sweet expressions, especially the renowned Malvasia delle Lipari, develop captivating notes of honey, dried apricots, and mediterranean citrus.
A Versatile Companion at the Table
The diverse styles of Malvasia make it an exceptionally versatile companion for a wide range of cuisine. Crisp, dry styles from regions like Collio and Istria pair beautifully with seafood antipasti, grilled fish, and light pasta dishes, where their aromatic complexity enhances without overwhelming delicate flavours. Fuller-bodied dry expressions complement richer Mediterranean fare featuring herbs and olive oil.
The more aromatic versions shine alongside moderately spiced Asian cuisines, where their floral character harmonizes with exotic spices. Sweet Malvasia wines create magical pairings with fruit-based desserts, pastries featuring almonds or honey, and surprisingly, with blue cheeses where the wine's sweetness and acidity balance the cheese's salty richness. Across all styles, Malvasia wines offer a sense of Mediterranean sunshine and warmth that elevates the dining experience.
From Traditional to Contemporary Expressions
Our selection spans the entire spectrum of Malvasia styles, from traditional interpretations that honour centuries-old techniques to contemporary approaches that reveal new facets of this ancient variety. We feature classic dry expressions from historic regions where Malvasia has long been cherished, amber-hued skin-contact versions that connect with pre-industrial winemaking traditions, and modern, precisely crafted examples that emphasize varietal purity and elegance.
Sweet versions range from lightly honeyed late-harvest wines to lusciously concentrated passito styles made from grapes dried on mats to concentrate flavours. Each bottle represents a winemaker's unique vision for this charismatic Mediterranean grape family that continues to captivate wine lovers with its aromatic allure and historical significance.
