Malvasia del Lazio, also known as Malvasia Puntinata, belongs to the large Malvasia family and has a history closely linked to the winemaking tradition of Lazio. The name derives from the ancient Greek place name Monemvasia, whilst records of its presence in the Roman area date back at least to the 19th century, particularly in the Castelli Romani region. The leaf is medium to large in size, generally orbicular, three- or five-lobed, with a smooth, slightly hairy margin. The bunch is medium or medium to large, pyramidal in shape, often winged, with a compactness ranging from tight to semi-loose. The berry, spheroidal and of medium size, has a greenish-yellow skin that is pruinose, firm and characteristically dotted with small brownish spots; the flesh is juicy, with a simple and delicate flavour. Its cultivation has its historical heartland in Lazio, particularly amongst the Castelli Romani and the hilly areas around Rome, where it helps to produce regional white wines of considerable distinctiveness. The wine is straw-yellow in colour with golden highlights, offering aromas of white fruit, ripe citrus, delicate flowers and subtle spicy notes. On the palate, it is fresh, savoury, smooth and well-balanced, with a pleasantly fruity finish. When vinified as a single-varietal wine, it offers fragrant and immediate expressions, whilst in late-harvest and sweet versions it can develop greater depth, complexity and ageing potential.
