The first mentions of Malvasia wine are found in Russian chronicles of the 10th century. Over the next two centuries, it was one of the leaders in export products. Wine replaced Cahors in churches and then spread throughout the world.
According to legend, the name of the wine comes from the Malevizi region, where the grapes grew. The sweetest variety was called Malmsley. Another version refers the researchers of the origin of the drink to the Byzantine fortress of Monamvasia. In antiquity it was located on the island of Crete. According to some reports, the origins of the name must be sought in Spain.
History
After the first mention of "Malvasia" in Russian chronicles for two hundred years, it was the only wine drink in Russia. In Christian rituals, wine supplied from Crete replaced the Cahors wine. The world's oldest wine spread across the planet from the Aegean coast.
The first exquisite drink was discovered by Venetian traders. With their light hand, his triumphal march across Europe began. By the beginning of the 15th century, the vine was taken to the island of Madeira. Madeira was produced from its fruits, which had a wonderful sweet aftertaste. The distribution did not bypass the Canary Islands, the countries of the New and Old Worlds.
The white "Malvasia" was appreciated on the continent by merchants, aristocrats and monarchs alike. Among the latter were Charles III and Peter I. This recognition contributed to the European recognition of a wine with an amazing name. Due to the rapidly growing popularity of the product, merchants received good profits from its sale. This was the reason for the appearance of fakes.
The "Malvasia" produced in Madeira especially suffered from them. However, others who wanted to get rich did not lag behind. All sweet wines supplied from Greece fell under the name. Later, they began to call alcohol from Moldova and Bulgaria. Only those who have tasted the real product, the nectar chosen by the gods, can distinguish fakes from the original.
Varieties
The most widespread variety of grapes used in production was obtained on the Mediterranean coast. The local climate did not affect the berries at all, which means that the extraordinary taste of the drink from them remained unchanged. Many connoisseurs consider the sophistication and exoticism of nectar to be perfect.
Malvasia grows in the United States, Spain, Switzerland, France, Brazil and Portugal. Under the brand name the varieties "Cleret", "Vermentino", "Burbulenk" and "Malmsi" are united. Multiple subspecies of varieties from pale green to rich dark red have also proven themselves well.
Experts do not leave the work on the selection of vines. This is due to the prevalence of the popular type of drink. The climate reigning in the Mediterranean has a beneficial effect on the quality of the berries. They saturated the finished product with a pleasant aroma, taste and color.
The main varieties of "Malvasia" are wines:
- sparkling;
- volcanic;
- Madeira.
Since the popularity and authority of the brand was won by it all over the planet, the winemakers started making a sparkling version.
Sparkling
One of the most famous manufacturers is Cantine Quattro Valli. For production, the berries are harvested by hand. Champagne takes place in special tanks.
Growing on the grapes belonging to the Cantina Quattro Valley in Emilia-Romagna, the grapes became the raw material for the production of the sparkling Mastro Binelli Malvasia Semidolce. It is produced in the traditional way of champagne.
The result is a sweet drink with a delicate taste and a peach-apricot aroma. Most often, this wine is used during friendly or romantic dates.
Volcanic
Volcanic wine is considered one of the most popular. Its production is very laborious, therefore the cost of the final product is very high. No preservatives are added to the products. Over time, such a product is oxidized. Special variations include Canarian wine. It is more in demand in the countries of the archipelago.
It is produced in limited quantities. Therefore, you can buy a bottle for tourists as a souvenir in Tenerife or for buyers in exclusive wine boutiques in Europe. The vine, delivered to Crete from Greece, took root perfectly, adding pleasant notes to the drink.
Each local vineyard has a separate stone cradle that protects the berries from precipitation and gusts of wind. This sight looks mesmerizing.
Madeira
Grapes also took root on the island of Madeira. In honor of the territory, another type of excellent drink was named. The wine produced here was produced only for the table of the rulers of Portugal. Sweet Madeira has been appreciated for five centuries. The collection of berries for production is also carried out manually in stages. Then the first light spin is carried out.
This is how you get "Pigno". Its main feature is its long-lasting aftertaste. Then the raw material was pressed and bottled several times. 85% composed of a wine drink made from raw materials "Malvasia", the wine went on a long trip. Thanks to him, the taste characteristics were improved.
Withstand such a product for 5-6 years. The longer this period, the higher the quality. Some varieties of Madeira are inherent in forty years of exposure. Time only improves the drink. Previously, the tart and unusually rich in taste nectar was so unusual that it belonged to the category of liqueur.
Modern production technologies have been greatly simplified. Thanks to the emergence of new varieties of raw materials, the volume of production increased. The products are distinguished by a delicate almond aroma and a floral-fruity bouquet.
How to drink
In terms of value, wine is affordable for gourmets. The price varies depending on the purpose of the product. Single-varietal wine in collection bottles is kept in vintages. Such a product is valued much higher than products supplied to stores.
"Malvasia" is produced by wineries in Italy, America, Croatia and Slovenia, the Canary Islands and Greece. Each manufacturer keeps its secrets. However, all producers are united by the desire to preserve the traditional quality of the drink and improve new varieties of it, enriching the flavor bouquet.
Table, dessert, fortified, white and red wines are made from raw materials. Since Malvasia is traditionally white, the product is perfect for seafood, which is the basis of Mediterranean cuisine. The brand goes well with cheeses, light salads and other snacks.
It is customary to drink the nectar of their special glasses chilled in small sips, savoring the taste and enjoying the qualities. It is impossible to describe a product made in Crete in a few words. All connoisseurs of elite wines should fully appreciate its taste.
It is desirable to present the product as a gift. The drink purchased by the consumer for himself will decorate any celebration, shading the taste of desserts from biscuits, nuts, fruits. It is also perfect as a digestif. The wine in a spectacular bottle is not sugary.
In the reviews of connoisseurs, it is recommended to use Greek or Italian nectar to the sound of waves running ashore in the homeland of the vine under the gentle rays of the sun. All those who have tasted the nectar produced from the oldest variety note its amazing aroma and perfect taste.
It has special sweetish vanilla notes. Therefore, the aroma is associated with fresh baked goods. The presence of a fruity note is also noticeable. The taste of today's wine is soft, moderately harmonious and sweet, enveloping.
