Malvasia: Group of mostly unrelated varieties—17 different “Malvasias” on official list, most white, some red (see Malvasia Nera), one pink (see Malvasia Rosa). Primary white varieties:
- Malvasia Bianca di Candia: Light bodied; high in acidity. Aromas & flavors: White flowers, citrus, green or yellow apple, herbs.
- Malvasia Bianca Lunga: Primary ingredient (with or without Trebbiano Toscano) in vin santo. Low acidity.
- Malvasia del Lazio: Aka Malvasia Puntinata; a crossing of Zibibbo and Schiava Grossa. Highest-quality Malvasia. Aromas & flavors: Yellow fruit (peach, mango, banana, passionfruit), sage. Best DOP: Frascati DOC/G.
- Malvasia di Candia Aromatica: High-quality variety, especially for sweet wines. Aromas & flavors: Aromatic; tropical fruit and spice. Best DOPs: Colli di Parma DOC, Colli Piacentini DOC.
- Malvasia di Lipari: Genetically same as Calabria’s Greco Bianco. Primarily used for passito wines. Aromas & flavors: Peach, apricot, honey, orange. Best DOP: Malvasia delle Lipari DOC.
- Malvasia Istriana: Often used for “orange wines.” Minerally. Aromas & flavors: Peach, apricot, pear, wisteria, (with age) diesel. Best DOPs: Carso DOC, Collio DOC, Friuli Isonzo DOC.