Everything About Malvasia-Istriana Grape
"mahl-vah-SEE-ah is-tree-AH-nah" 
Malvasia-Istriana Description
Origin: Istria, Croatia
History: Malvasia Istriana, known as Malvazija Istarska in Croatian, is a white grape variety indigenous to the Istrian peninsula, which spans parts of Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Introduced to the region by Venetian merchants from Greece in the 14th century, it has become one of the most important and widely planted grape varieties in Istria. The grape is renowned for its versatility, producing a range of wine styles from fresh and youthful to complex, aged expressions.
Appearance: Large berries that turn green-yellow or full golden in warmer locations.
Growing Traits: Malvasia Istriana is a late-ripening variety with relatively high yield potential, necessitating careful canopy and fruit management in the vineyard to maintain quality. The grape thrives in the diverse soils of Istria, including terra rossa and terre bianche, and benefits from the region's Mediterranean and continental climate influences.
Food Pairing Malvasia Istriana's light to medium body and balanced acidity make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, light salads, and grilled vegetables. Its subtle fruit flavors and moderate alcohol content complement a variety of light to medium-intensity dishes.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Light to medium-bodied with a balanced structure, offering subtle complexity. Typically dry, though it is also used in sweet, late-harvest wines. Negligible tannins, as it is a white grape variety, resulting in a clean finish. Medium to high acidity, providing balance and freshness to the wine. Moderate alcohol content, generally around 11.5-14%, ensuring balance and drinkability.
Acacia flowers 
Apple 
Peach 
Apricot 
Almond Malvasia Istriana wines are known for their delicate floral aromas, often exhibiting notes of acacia flowers. On the palate, they present flavors of apple, peach, and apricot, with a characteristic slight bitterness reminiscent of almond in aged versions. The wines typically have medium to high acidity, contributing to their freshness and aging potential.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/croatia.png)
Croatia
•Istria
•North Dalmatia
![[object Object] Region](/regions/slovenia.png)
Slovenia
•Slovenian Istria
![[object Object] Region](/regions/italy.png)
Italy
•Friuli-Venezia Giulia
•Veneto
Notable Wines and Producers
Malvazija Istarska
•Cattunar
•Kozlović
•Coronica
Collio Malvasia DOC
•Venica & Venica
•Livio Felluga
Malvasia-Istriana FAQ
Istria, Croatia
Malvasia-Istriana has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Malvasia-Istriana is Moderate to Light bodied.
Malvasia-Istriana has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Malvasia-Istriana is Dry.
Istria, Croatia
Malvasia-Istriana is grown in Croatia (Istria, North Dalmatia)Slovenia (Slovenian Istria)Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto).
Malvasia Istriana wines are known for their delicate floral aromas, often exhibiting notes of acacia flowers. On the palate, they present flavors of apple, peach, and apricot, with a characteristic slight bitterness reminiscent of almond in aged versions. The wines typically have medium to high acidity, contributing to their freshness and aging potential.
Malvasia Istriana's light to medium body and balanced acidity make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, light salads, and grilled vegetables. Its subtle fruit flavors and moderate alcohol content complement a variety of light to medium-intensity dishes.
Malvasia Istriana wines are known for their delicate floral aromas, often exhibiting notes of acacia flowers. On the palate, they present flavors of apple, peach, and apricot, with a characteristic slight bitterness reminiscent of almond in aged versions. The wines typically have medium to high acidity, contributing to their freshness and aging potential.