Malta's wine industry features in Forbes (along with local family wine company Marsovin!)
Centuries in the making.
Maltese locals are known to love their wines, and this proves it! In a recent article on Forbes, Jeremy Cassar, the fourth-generation head of local family wine company Marsovin (and Malta’s largest wine producer) gives a brief history about wine production in Malta, which he states, dates back to the Roman period. “The Romans, like the Phoenicians, were also well known for encouraging the spread of viticulture,” all around the Mediterranean.
Cassar also points out that the Normans introduced grape varieties from France and Sicily to the islands, however, what varieties they might have been and whether any can be found on the island today is unknown.
As Maltese history progressed towards the British period (1814-1964), there was a dip in production of wine grapes as Malta was turned into a fortress during the war, and the production of food was more important than wine. Sadly, the few vineyards that were left were damaged by an epidemic during the 19th century.
Grape cultivation never completely died out, however. Most present-day vineyards are young, having only been planted over the last few decades. Two indigenous varieties have survived and are very popular among both the locals and visiting tourists: the red variety, Ġellewża, and the white variety, Girgentina.
Forbes describes the Ġellewża as a variety that “produces a delicate, light coloured wine, which exhibits bright red fruits, especially cherry, along with hints of dried fruit, in particular prune as well as milk chocolate.” Marsovin has experimented with this variety to create different blends of fruity flavour.
Girgentina, on the other hand, possibly features some Sicilian origins. The wine is possibly named after a small village in Malta named Girgenti, derived from the Sicilian city of Agrigento, which was also a significant wine producing region. Cassar mentions that Girgentina benefits from being grown in both dry and hot areas, but also regulated by marine breezes. Girgentina is bottled as great blends with Chardonnay and Vermentino.
The exponential growth of the Maltese wine industry has not escaped the attention of international vineyards. A number of foreign wine companies have announced their intention of investing in Malta’s wine industry too!
Along with a number of other local wine producers, Marsovin also organises various events centred around viticulture throughout the year. Their much-awaited event, The Marsovin Summer Wine Festival, happens in July, and makes for the perfect setting to taste a wide selection of local wines. They also produced the official Valletta 2018 wine, specifically for this year’s European Capital of Culture.
Maltese wines are virtually impossible to find outside of the islands, where 99 per cent of production is consumed, and not much is left to export! Curious? Best book your next trip to Malta to get your hands on some of these exquisite wines!