Malvasia di Schierano

Malvasia di Schierano is an aromatic black grape variety native to Piedmont, with cultivation concentrated in the province of Turin, where it plays a key role in producing the sweet and often lightly sparkling Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco DOC wines. Like other grapes in the Malvasia family, its name derives from Monembasia - a historic Byzantine fortress in the southern Peloponnese - where sweet wines were made and widely exported across Europe by the Venetians under the name Monemvasia. These wines became so popular that Venetian wine taverns known as Malvase emerged specifically for their enjoyment.

Historical records also mention "malvaticus" wine, made from black-berried Malvasia grapes grown in Cyprus, which was traded and eventually established in northern Italy. The first documented evidence of Malvasia di Schierano vineyards in Piedmont dates back to 1468 in Mondonio, highlighting its deep-rooted connection to the region’s winemaking heritage.

Ampelographically, Malvasia di Schierano is a medium-vigour vine with moderate yields. It features black, medium-large berries with violet-blue skin, medium-small, loose clusters, and five-lobed, pentagonal leaves.

The grape yields wines that are typically cherry red, sweet, and aromatic, known for their fine, floral aromas and soft, elegant palate. It is often vinified as a frizzante (lightly sparkling) or spumante (fully sparkling) wine, sometimes blended in small percentages with Freisa to enhance structure. While its aromatic intensity is slightly lower than Malvasia di Casorzo, Malvasia di Schierano is prized for its delicate balance of fruitiness, floral notes, and natural sweetness, making it a favorite among lovers of sweet red wines.