Malvasia Nera lunga

The name Malvasia originates from a variation of Monembasia, a historic Byzantine stronghold perched on the rocky promontory in the southern Peloponnese. This area was renowned for its production of sweet wines, which were later exported throughout Europe by Venetian merchants under the name Monemvasia. These wines gained such immense popularity that Venice became dotted with taverns called Malvase, dedicated entirely to their enjoyment.

The legacy of Malvasia wines spans centuries. Historical documents refer to “vinum malvaticum,” a sweet wine made from the black-berried Malvasia, particularly popular in Cyprus and also traded into regions like Piedmont. As early as 1468, records from Mondonio noted the presence of Malvasia vineyards, confirming the grape's deep roots in northern Italy.

Today, Malvasia Nera Lunga is especially widespread in Piedmont, where it has gradually overtaken Malvasia di Schierano due to its greater vigor, fertility, and productivity. In the area of Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Malvasia Nera Lunga is now the dominant variety, and in some estates, it constitutes the entirety of their Malvasia plantings.

Malvasia Nera Lunga has black, medium-sized, spheroid berries with thick, waxy blue-violet skin; medium to large elongated-cylindrical clusters often with one or two well-developed wings; and medium, wedge-shaped leaves that are typically three-lobed, occasionally five-lobed.

Malvasia Nera Lunga has an early growth and production cycle, maturing at least a week earlier than Malvasia di Schierano. It produces sweet, aromatic wines with a deep color and refined, intense fragrance. Its high sugar content and aromatic complexity make it ideal for semi-sparkling and dessert-style wines, especially those appreciated for their floral and fruity character.