Wine Tasting Club – Malvasia
As I gradually learned more about Malvasia, I couldn’t help drawing a parallel to Chardonnay. The latter is one that is cherished by many winemakers because it’s malleable in the wine-making process. The expert winemaker can mould it into whatever he or she would like it to become – oaked or not, chenin-style, sweet. It’s general characteristics, whether you’re drinking the white or the red are fruitiness both on the nose and on the palate, yet crisp, clear and quaffable.
Try these:
Marqués De Cáceres Antea 2010 $14.95
Composition From Rioja, this white is made up of Viura and Malvasia.
Colour Clear, pale yellow straw with a very slight greenish tinge.
Bouquet Lemon zest, butter, vanilla, Granny Smith apple and spice.
Taste Layers of oakiness come through with a hint of spice; lots of lime and yellow plum with a very long thirst quenching finish.
I had it with a bowl of orecchiete pasta and swiss chard.
Cantine De Falco Salore Salice Salentino 2008 $16.95
Composition From Puglia, this red is made from Negroamaro and Malvasia.
Colour Deep purplish garnet.
Bouquet Boysenberry and cherry with some cedar and cocoa.
Taste Dark cherry and spice, tannins are definitely evident, with a long finish.
Sip it alongside spaghetti and meatballs in a thick tomato-basil sauce.