Malvasia [Malmsey]

Malvasia (aka Malmsey) is a white grape variety (see Malvasia grape) and a corresponding style of Madeira, one of the four recognised styles of this fortified wine (the others being the dry Sercial, the medium-dry Verdelho, and the medium-sweet Bual & Terrantez.

Malmsey/Malvasia is the most famous and also the richest, sweetest wine style of Madeira, with upward of 4% residual sugar. Sercial, the driest style contains up to 1.5 % residual sugar, Verdelho up to 2.5% residual sugar, Bual & Terrantez 3.5% maximum but balanced by sharp acidity.

A young Malmsey Madeira is light golden in colour, smooth and luscious on the palate, with deep-set chocolate flavours, and a hint of tropical, mango or nectarine notes.

An old Malmsey (30 years ) is just a little lighter in colour than a Bual. The palate typically delivers toffee-nuts and marmalade sweetness. Old Malmseys resemble tawny Ports, often showing even more lush character and concentration, depending on cask ageing.