What does malvasia mean?
Malvasia is an important name in Mediterranean wine production, denoting a family of aromatic white grapes and the wines made from them. It is especially associated with Italy, although related varieties are also cultivated elsewhere in the Mediterranean. The grapes are generally valued for a pronounced floral aroma, often accompanied by flavors of peach, apricot, citrus, honey, or musk. Malvasia is not a single uniform grape: the name covers several related varieties, including the widely planted Malvasia Bianca, and it is also the historical type associated with Malvasia di Candia. Depending on the grape and winemaking method, the resulting wine can be dry, sparkling, medium-sweet, or richly sweet. This breadth makes the term useful to anyone studying Italian or Mediterranean wine, while also making it important to look beyond the label for information about the particular style.
nounA group of aromatic white grape varieties cultivated in Mediterranean Europe, particularly Italy, and the wines made from them. Malvasia wines range from dry and sparkling to sweet and richly flavored.
- Any of several closely related aromatic white grape varieties belonging to the Malvasia group.
- A white wine produced from a Malvasia grape, which may be dry, sparkling, or sweet.
"We chose a chilled Malvasia to accompany the seafood."
"The vineyard specializes in Malvasia, a grape known for its floral aroma."
"This bottle of Malvasia has a light body and pronounced citrus notes."
Rare in general use, though the plural is appropriate when referring to different wines, varieties, or bottles bearing the name.
"The shop stocks several malvasias from Italian and Spanish producers."
Its name preserves a Mediterranean journey: “Candia” in Malvasia di Candia was the Venetian name for Crete.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does malvasia come from?
The English word entered through Italian as malvasia, with a form also recorded in medieval Latin. It became an established name for the grape and wine in the early 18th century. The traditional type name Malvasia di Candia connects the variety with Candia, the historical Venetian name for Crete, from which it was widely associated with imported wine.
How malvasia is actually used
The unqualified name refers to a broader family of related varieties rather than one universally uniform grape. Malvasia Bianca is a specific variety within that group. As a wine name, it can indicate either a dry table wine or a sweet or sparkling style, so the sweetness should not be inferred from the name alone.
Easily confused with malvasia
Malvasia is a separate grape group valued for floral, honeyed, or nutty flavors, whereas Moscato is a distinct aromatic grape and the source of sweet wines such as Moscato d'Asti.