Grape variety : Malvasia

Malvoisie: Origins and Unique Characteristics of This Grape Variety

Malvoisie, an ancient and refined grape variety, is a true treasure for lovers of authentic and elegant wines. Primarily used to produce white and sweet wines, this grape captivates with its complex aromatic palette and unique character. Discover the origins, emblematic terroirs, and aromatic characteristics of Malvoisie, and follow our pairing suggestions to elevate your culinary experiences with this exceptional variety.

Description and Origins of Malvoisie

Malvoisie is an ancient family of grape varieties originating from the Mediterranean basin, named after Monemvasia, a port city in Greece. It is cultivated under various names across Europe, such as Vermentino in Italy or Rolle in France. In France, the term “Malvoisie” often refers to several white grape varieties, including Pinot Gris in the Loire Valley and Vermentinu in Corsica. Malvoisie expresses itself differently depending on the terroir and winemaking methods used, and it is appreciated for its ability to produce dry, sweet, and even sparkling wines.

Key Terroirs Where Malvoisie is Cultivated

In France, Malvoisie thrives in various vineyards, particularly in Corsica, the Loire Valley, and Savoie. It is used in appellations such as AOC Vin de Corse, AOC Coteaux du Layon, and AOC Seyssel. In Corsica, Malvoisie, often known as Vermentino, is vinified into aromatic dry white wines. In the Loire Valley, it is associated with Pinot Gris and produces rich and balanced dry and sweet white wines, especially in the Coteaux d’Ancenis.

Aromatic Characteristics of Malvoisie

Characteristics of Malvoisie in Dry White Wine:

Characteristics of Malvoisie in Sweet White Wine:

Best Food Pairings with Malvoisie

Here are some recipe ideas to complement a bottle of dry or sweet white wine made from Malvoisie:

• Pear tarte tatin (AOC Coteaux d’Ancenis)
• Grilled fish with herbs (AOC Vin de Corse Blanc)
• Pan-seared foie gras (AOC Seyssel Moelleux)
• Mushroom risotto (AOC Vin de Savoie Blanc)
• Aged goat cheese (AOC Vin de Corse Blanc)

Malvoisie, a white grape rich in history and flavor, is a gem for lovers of refined and expressive wines. Whether as a dry white wine to accompany delicate dishes or a sweet white wine to elevate indulgent desserts, Malvoisie embodies elegance. Discover our selection of wines made from Malvoisie on Avenue des Vins, and let yourself be enchanted by this versatile grape variety.

Malvoisie, a name shared by several white grapes

Unlike most grape names, Malvoisie does not point to a single variety. It is a name given to several white grapes, and which grape it stands for depends on the region. In France, the name most often covers Pinot Gris in the Loire Valley and Vermentinu in Corsica, while across Europe it also travels under related names such as Vermentino in Italy and Rolle in France. This is why a wine labeled Malvoisie can taste quite different from one region to the next: behind a single name stand several distinct white grapes and traditions. When you choose a bottle, the appellation and the region tell you far more about the style in your glass than the name Malvoisie on its own.

Serving and storing a wine made from Malvoisie

Malvoisie is made as both a dry and a sweet white wine, and both styles are served chilled, at around 8 to 10 °C. At this temperature the dry white wines keep their lively freshness and their delicate floral and mineral notes, while the sweet whites stay balanced, their honeyed richness never turning heavy. These whites do not need decanting: simply chilling the bottle before serving is enough.

For storage, keep the bottles lying down, away from light and heat and at a stable temperature. The lively dry whites, like many of the whites of Corsica, the Loire and Savoie-Bugey, are at their best while young and fresh, when their fruit and their minerality are most vivid.

Frequently asked questions about Malvoisie

What is the Malvoisie grape?

Malvoisie is a white grape, or rather a name shared by several white grapes grown around the Mediterranean and in France. Named after the Greek port of Monemvasia, it refers in France to varieties such as Pinot Gris in the Loire Valley and Vermentinu in Corsica.

Is Malvoisie a dry or a sweet wine?

Malvoisie can be both. The grape is used to make dry, sweet, and even sparkling white wines, from fresh, mineral dry whites to rich, honeyed sweet wines, depending on the region and the winemaking.

What does a Malvoisie wine taste like?

A dry Malvoisie white offers subtle aromas of white-fleshed fruits and citrus with floral and mineral notes, and a round, balanced palate. As a sweet white, it turns to honey, candied fruits and white flowers, with a creamy, generous texture.

At what temperature should you serve Malvoisie?

Serve Malvoisie chilled, at around 8 to 10 °C. This keeps the freshness of the dry whites and the balance of the sweet whites, whether you pour it as an aperitif or at the table.