Pale straw yellow in the glass with tinges of green.
Subtle aromas of apricot, dried herbs and lime. Some wet rock components interestingly to this Malvasia Istriana.
Soft and powdery on entry with a mid-palate marked by apricot and orange peel. A lime backbone supports a brisk mineral component throughout. A dry, light- to medium-bodied wine with fresh citrus notes, lean, spicy and lively. Soft tannins on a seamlessly smooth palate impress. Bursting with heart, appeal and drinkability.
Refreshing finish to what is an underrated variety that hopefully we will see more of in the future.
The variety's history is quite intriguing. The origins of Malvasia Istriana appear at Monemvasia on the Greek Peloponnese Peninsula around the Middle Ages. From there, Venetian seafarers and traders transported cuttings to most parts of the Mediterranean and as far as the Canary Islands and the Istrian Peninsula - part of modern day Croatia and Slovenia - under the name Monemvasia. Such was its reputation, it was referred to in recent documentation as the Chardonnay of the Middle Ages. The variety later became Italianized to Malvasia and today is predominantly cultivated in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
There are one or two other competing theories, most notable of which was that the returning Crusaders brought back cuttings with them to Venice from Constantinopoli in the early 1200's from where it spread and flourished in north-east Italy. As with all grape varieties, there is a story or stories to tell that gives some perspective to the wines we enjoy today.
Source: Sample. ABV: 13.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $36.00. Rating: 91 Points.
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