This Mediterranean variety of Greek origin grows throughout Italy, from the North, such as Friuli-Venezia Giulia, all the way to the southernmost regions. In Puglia, it is typical of the areas of Lecce and Brindisi, so much so that there are varieties called Malvasia Nera di Brindisi and Malvasia Nera di Lecce. Often used in blends, such as with Negroamaro, the Malvasia Nera grape is particularly aromatic and intense.
The Malvasia Nera variety has the following features:
- Leaves: medium or big-sized, pentagonal, five-lobe shaped
- Cluster: medium-sized, conical, simple or winged, long, quite compact.
- Grape: medium-sized, round
- Skin: with a plenty of bloom, blue-coloured
Wine features: the Malvasia Nera of Brindisi variety produces a full ruby-red wine, with violet hues. Its smell is fruity and aromatic, with a touch of pomegranate and raspberries. Its taste is well-structured, with a good level of alcohol, fairly savoury, fair in acidity. It can also produce excellent rosé wines if vinified with Negroamaro, but without vinasses.