Wine of the Day for January 31, 2010
Malvasia
Wine of the day has missed a day. Oh no!! We went to my sister’s cabin in Rib Lake and there is absolutely no reception out there, and I just was too busy to get it up before we left. So, here it is a day late. Enjoy it over a glass of wine.
Origin
Malvasia is found in Italy, Spain and France, but its roots are found in Greece. Wine shops in the Venetian Republic were called Malvasie in honor of this very popular grape.
Style
Malvasia is primarily a white-wine grape but has the remarkable feature in that it produces both red and white wines, including a red version called Malvasia Nera. Each of these wines, however, is very different in their characteristics. Malvasia Nera is used primarily as a blending grape in Italy, valued for the dark color and aromas it adds. The best known whites are Malvasia del Lazio, Malvasia delle Lipari, Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia di Sardegna, and Malvasia Istriana.
Characteristics
The more popular white grapes produce golden, aromatic, flavorful wines with hints of apricots, musk, and almonds. Malvasia is not a high-yielding vine and is being replaced by better-producing grapes such as Trebbiano from Italy and Viura from Spain.
Pairing
Pair the reds with calamari, rich seafood stews and game. Pair the whites with flaky pastry desserts.
It’s a bit of work researching and trying to find some of these wines. Oh, it would be so fantastic if this was my full-time job. What fun it would be to drink wine and just write about it all day. Perhaps in my next life. 
