Malvasia Nera | Grape variety
Malvasia - also known as Malvasier or Malvoisie - is a grape variety widely grown in southern countries in both red and white varieties. The addition Malvasia Nera is necessary to distinguish the red wine grape variety from completely different grape varieties of similar name. The origin of the grape variety is believed to be in Asia Minor, from where it reached Greece centuries ago and spread further. In Italy, especially the cultivation areas in the southern Italian Puglia and Tuscany are worth mentioning.
In Puglia, Malvasia Nera is recently vinified pure and is also found as a component of some Cuvees in interaction with Negroamaro. There are also specialties made from dried grapes and a condiment called Vincotto. In Tuscany, on the other hand, Malvasia Nera has found its retreat in Vin Santo, where the heavy and sweet character of the grapes is desired. In addition, there is an abundance of IGT wines in which, in addition to Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera is also part of the grape variety mix to give the wines more richness. - Gerardo