Malvasia

The story

Malvasia is a family of grapes—dozens of varieties across the Mediterranean. They're all called 'Malvasia' but they're genetically different. It's wine's most confusing name.

Insider story

Malvasia originated in Greece (possibly the town of Monemvasia). It spread across the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages. Each region developed its own 'Malvasia.'

Today, there are 30+ varieties called 'Malvasia.' Malvasia Bianca (Italy), Malvasia Fina (Portugal), Malvasia de Sitges (Spain), Malvasia Istriana (Croatia)—all different grapes.

The wines vary wildly: dry, sweet, still, sparkling, fortified. Malvasia delle Lipari (Sicily) is sweet and honeyed. Malvasia Istriana (Friuli) is dry and mineral. Same name, completely different wines.

It's confusing, but that's Malvasia's charm—endless variety under one name.

Technical deep dive

Malvasia varieties share aromatic intensity (floral, honeyed) but differ in acidity, body, and style.

Malvasia Bianca (Italy): aromatic, low acidity, often sweet. Malvasia Istriana (Friuli/Slovenia): dry, mineral, high acidity. Malvasia Fina (Portugal): aromatic, used in Port and Madeira. Malvasia delle Lipari (Sicily): sweet, dried-grape wine, honeyed.

Oak: varies by style. Sweet Malvasia often uses oak. Dry Malvasia usually doesn't.

Industry secrets

Malvasia delle Lipari is one of Italy's great sweet wines. Dried grapes, honeyed, complex. $30-60 bottles (500ml) rival $100+ Sauternes. But nobody knows because 'Malvasia' sounds unfamiliar.

For collectors

More white grapes

• Malvasia Bianca
• Malvasia Bianca Lunga
• Malvasia di Sardegna
• Malvasia Istriana
• Malvasía Volcánica