La Malvasia Bianca di Candia

La Malvasia Bianca di Candia is a white grape variety likely of Greek origin, with its name deriving from the ancient Venetian name for the island of Crete, "Candia." It is primarily grown in the Lazio region of Italy, particularly in the Castelli Romani area, and to a lesser extent in Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, Tuscany, Liguria, and Lombardy.

This grape is distinct from Malvasia di Candia Aromatica due to its lack of aromatic intensity. The grapes of Malvasia Bianca di Candia are often blended with other varieties, such as Trebbiano Toscano, to produce fresh and light white wines. In Lazio, it is a key component of wines such as Castelli Romani Bianco DOC, Cerveteri Bianco DOC, and Colli Albani Bianco DOC.

The wines produced with Malvasia Bianca di Candia are characterized by a spicy fragrance with notes of musk and apricot, often with relatively high residual sugar. These features make the grape particularly suitable for the production of sparkling wines and dessert wines.

 

In summary, Malvasia Bianca di Candia is a historic and versatile grape variety, valued for its ability to contribute to quality white wines, both as a single varietal and in blends with other grapes.