Malvasia di Lipari is an ancient aromatic white grape variety, traditionally traced back to the Greek world; the name ‘Malvasia’ is generally associated with Monemvasia, a port in the Peloponnese. It has found its historic home in the Aeolian Islands, particularly on Salina, where viticulture and the production of passito wine are deeply rooted traditions. The ‘Malvasia delle Lipari’ designation was recognised in 1973, highlighting the variety’s different expressions, ranging from white wine to passito and fortified wine.
The vine exhibits medium to high vigour and a spreading growth habit; the leaf is medium-sized, rounded, generally five-lobed, with a green upper surface that is slightly downy. The bunch is medium-sized, cylindrical or cylindrical-conical, simple, sometimes winged and moderately loose. The berries are medium or small, spherical or sub-round, with a thin, slightly pruinose skin of a golden-yellow colour, and sweet, juicy and intensely aromatic flesh.
Grown on the volcanic and sandy soils of the archipelago, it benefits from the sunshine, the sea breeze and the significant daily temperature variations. The wines display golden-yellow hues, ranging to amber in the passito versions, with aromas of ripe fruit, apricot, citrus, honey and Mediterranean flowers. On the palate, they are sweet, enveloping, balanced by freshness and well-structured. The passito, also produced by sun-drying the grapes on traditional ‘cannizzi’ racks, possesses particular complexity and a marked potential for development in the bottle.
