Malvasia

Reference

Madeira, Italy, Croatia

ABV11-15% — depends on style (table to fortified)

Sub-styles

MalmseyMalvasia delle LipariMalvasia Istriana

Tasting Notes

Dry: stone fruit, almond, mineral, floral. Sweet: dried apricot, honey, orange blossom, musk, fig. The aromatic intensity is the family trait — Malvasia should always smell like something, even the dry versions.

Brand Guide

Dry: Damijan Malvasia ($25-35), Princic ($18-24). Sweet Lipari: Hauner ($30-45), Colosi ($20-28). Madeira Malmsey: Blandy's ($20-80+). The price range spans the entire style spectrum.

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The Story

Ancient Mediterranean grape that built the fortified wine trade, from honeyed Madeira to mineral Italian whites.