1–0 of 0
Malvasia Nera is the dark-skinned representative of the famous Malvasia family, grown mainly in the sunny regions of Southern Italy, especially in Puglia. These grapes produce exceptionally rich, viscous, and dark ruby-colored red wines. Characterized by notes of ripe plums, dark chocolate, and unexpected floral aromas, these wines are a perfect choice for those seeking intensity combined with soft tannins.
Read moreIn Southern Italy, this variety is a true point of pride, but finding it bottled on its own can sometimes be difficult, as it is a highly valued blending component.
On the Salento peninsula (in Puglia), Malvasia Nera is very frequently blended with the famous Negroamaro grape. In this classic blend, Malvasia Nera plays a softening role—it tames the somewhat bitter and hard tannins of Negroamaro, providing the wine with a perfumed aroma and silky texture. If you manage to find a 100% single-varietal Malvasia Nera wine, be prepared for a highly aromatic, round tasting full of sweet-tending fruits.
Due to its weighty body, rich fruitiness, and velvety tannins, Malvasia Nera pairs beautifully with rich Southern Italian gastronomy. The wine perfectly complements slow-braised pork, beef meatballs (Polpette), oven-baked eggplants (Melanzane alla Parmigiana), and sweet-spicy BBQ ribs.
Yes, Malvasia Nera belongs to the same large Mediterranean Malvasia grape family, sharing with them an exceptionally perfumed, aromatic nature. Even though the color is dark, the wine retains the elegant floral and spice notes typical of the family, which are rarely found in other heavy Southern Italian red grapes.
Generally, Malvasia Nera wines (especially unblended ones) have low acidity and very soft tannins, so they are not designed for decades in the cellar. Their greatest charm is revealed when tasted relatively young, within 2–5 years of the vintage, when the dark cherry and chocolate fruitiness is at its brightest and juiciest.
