Malvasia Nera

Malvasia Nera is a dark-skinned grape variety within the broader Malvasia family, traditionally known for its aromatic white grapes. Unlike its white counterparts, Malvasia Nera is used in the production of red wines, offering winemakers flexibility in crafting dry, sparkling, sweet, and even passito and rosé wines. It is a highly adaptable grape, though it is more commonly used in blends rather than as a single-varietal wine.

Malvasia Nera is grown in several regions across Italy, but its expression varies by terroir. In Piedmont, it is one of the few regions where varietal Malvasia Nera wines are regularly produced, often resulting in fragrant, fruity reds with soft tannins. In Apulia (Puglia), Malvasia Nera plays an essential role in traditional blends, especially when combined with Negroamaro, adding aromatic lift and softness to the structure of more robust reds.

The wines produced from Malvasia Nera are generally light to medium-bodied, with a flavor profile that includes notes of cherries, plums, dark berries, and chocolate. Some examples may exhibit herbal or floral hints, depending on the winemaking approach and region. When vinified into sweet or passito wines, Malvasia Nera can develop rich, dried fruit and spice notes, adding to its complexity and appeal.

Thanks to its versatility and aromatic profile, Malvasia Nera continues to be a valued blending grape across Italy, though in recent years it has also gained attention for its potential as a standalone varietal, particularly in the hands of innovative winemakers.