Like everything about Malta, Maltese wines are surprising especially considering its size as one of the smallest countries in the world. Malta has produced wine for over two thousand years and after significant effort to promote the reputation of Maltese wines in the country over the Goliaths of French and Italian wines. Its popularity is now widespread in Malta, so much so that the vast majority of it never makes its way off its shores.
Sipping a glass of wine in Gozo
While Malta grows a great deal of international varieties like cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, there are two grape varietals native to Malta and Gozo. These are Ġellewża, a medium-bodied cherry fruit red grape that’s often used for rose wines, and Girgentina, a crisp tropical fruits white grape. You’ll sometimes see wines made exclusively using these grapes, but they are often also blended such as Girgentina blended with chardonnay to add more complexity and Ġellewża to soften the spiciness of Syrah.
The likes of Marsovin have been responsible for much of the recent experimentation in Maltese wine and produce D.O.K. wines as well as sparkling wines, with the reputation of Maltese wines improving with fine Maltese wines becoming more common. Overall, Maltese wines have a great deal to offer and with our experience with them, we have never had a bad Maltese wine, with a heavy focus on easy-drinking, fruity and sweet wines perfect for the Maltese weather.
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