The Malmsey grape is celebrated for being the quintessential component used in the production of the richest and most delectable sweet wine known as Madeira. The grape goes by the name of Malvasia in most parts of the world, Malmsey being its anglicised version specific to the British market.
Originating from the Mediterranean, it's primarily grown on the volcanic soil of Madeira Island, Portugal, where it yields incredibly lavish dessert wines bearing its name, characterised by their unique, full-bodied indulgence, and known for their potential of ageing. In an intriguing historical twist, Malmsey was greatly prized in the English royal courts of the 15th century, only to become virtually extinct by the late 19th century due to the phylloxera epidemic.
Malmsey grape stands out with its deep, golden-russet hue and a potent bouquet often reminiscent of rich toffee, marmalade or roasted nuts. The palatal experience with Malmsey wines can broadly be described as sensuously sweet and smoothly viscous, offering an exotic burst of flavours that range from dried fruits, honey, caramel, to even some citrusy and oaky undertones, all balanced harmoniously with its mild acidity.
Given its highly oxidative winemaking process, Malmsey wine can remain open for several months without significantly deteriorating. Some of the most venerable vintage Malmsey Madeiras also display remarkable longevity, continuing to deliver an intense and complex array of flavours, even after two centuries.
Despite its long-lost popularity, the legacy of Malmsey grape lives on through it becoming the middle name of the esteemed wine personality and critic, Michael Broadbent, clearly testifying to its royal lineage. Today, it is treasured by true connoisseurs, serving as an indulgent accompaniment to the dessert course or standing nobly alone as a meditation wine. Overall, the Malmsey grape bridges a sophisticated world of traditional viticulture with modern appreciation for rich dessert wines.
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