The Wine Front – “Zesty oily quality, citrus essential oils, apricot, a bit of fresh aromatic herbs, pastry with sweet cream and pickled ginger. That touch of something ‘pickled’ (by no means vinegar, maybe preserved is a better word), gives a nice savoury edge to the sweet perfume. Aromas are accentuated just enough, tamed from being extreme with a cleansing bitterness and zesty bite, pithy salty quality on the palate. Cinnamon, ginger, ruby grapefruit on the finish. So good.” - Kasia Sobiesiak, The Wine Front
James Halliday – This is a grippy white wine with floral and stone fruit characters aplenty, matched to cooked apple, guava and brine. It’s ultra-textural, and dry with it. Length isn’t a strong suit here, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to hook into it with gusto, thanks to the combination of mouth-watering acidity, lively flavour and all that grip. Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion.
Malvasia, a group of wine grape varieties originating from the Mediterranean, is known for its ability to produce wines ranging from dry to sweet. While its roots trace back to ancient Greece, it has found homes in various wine regions around the world, each adding its unique touch to the grape's expression. Depending on where it's grown, Malvasia can present a bouquet of aromas such as apricots, peaches, and even hints of spices. One of its most distinguishing features is the aromatic profile, often captivating wine enthusiasts with floral and fruity notes. In some regions, it's used to craft delightful sparkling wines, while in others, it might be the key ingredient for a lusciously sweet wine. Given its versatility, Malvasia is an exquisite journey through various tastes, making it a must-try for those eager to explore the vast world of wines.
Malvasia wine is derived from a collection of grape varieties that fall under the broader umbrella of the Malvasia family. These grapes are predominantly known for their aromatic richness and versatility in winemaking. Malvasia wines can range from dry and crisp whites to sumptuous dessert wines, each emanating a plethora of enticing aromas, from floral to fruity. Historically rooted in the Mediterranean, particularly in Greece, Malvasia has since traveled the world, adapting to various terrains and climates, resulting in a diverse range of wine expressions that never cease to charm wine aficionados.
The best Malvasia wines hail from a variety of wine regions, each lending its distinctive touch to the grape's profile. The Mediterranean, especially Italy's regions like Sicily, Sardinia, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is home to some of the finest Malvasia wines. Spain's Canary Islands and Portugal, especially Madeira, also have a long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional Malvasia. Croatia's Istrian Peninsula is another noteworthy region, producing Malvasia Istriana, a variant that is particularly aromatic and refreshing.
The popularity of Malvasia wines varies based on the region and style. In Italy, Malvasia delle Lipari, a sweet wine from Sicily, and Malvasia di Bosa from Sardinia have garnered acclaim. Spain's Canary Islands produce Malvasia Volcánica, beloved for its unique mineral notes. Malvasia de Sitges and Malvasia de Lanzarote have also gained recognition. Meanwhile, in Croatia, Malvasia Istriana stands out, boasting a harmonious balance of acidity and fruitiness.
While Malvasia wines span a range of price points, certain regions and styles offer exceptional value. The Malvasia wines from Spain's La Mancha or Valencia often present excellent value for their quality. Croatian Malvasia Istriana, too, offers a taste of premium quality without a hefty price tag. These wines deliver the grape's quintessential aromatic bouquet and palatable delight, making them a prime choice for those looking to savor the essence of Malvasia without breaking the bank.
Malvasia wines, given their diverse styles, can be paired with an array of dishes. Dry Malvasia whites beautifully complement seafood, from grilled fish to shellfish. Their aromatic intensity pairs well with dishes that carry a hint of spice or herbaceous flavors, such as Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. When it comes to the sweeter variants, think of pairing with desserts like almond pastries, panna cotta, or even blue cheeses. The richness of these wines often resonates with the creaminess or sweetness of dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.