Malvasía
The Malvasia is a variety with a long tradition in Spain, and in Navarre and La Rioja in particular, although it should not be confused with the Malvasía of the Canary Islands which is also a long-standing variety, but with some very different characteristics.
Its synonymies include "blanca roja" "blanquirroja" "tobia", "suavidad" "suvirat" and "rojal". It is not widely cultivated in Navarre with scarcely twenty hectares dedicated to this variety, concentrated in the Validzarbe zone.
It is basically used to make young white, aromatic wines, either as a monovarietal or as a blend or "coupage".
Agricultural data
Vegetative cycle
- Semi-late bud break.
- Flowering in early June.
- Ripening during the third period, early October.
- Medium cycle.
Pests and diseases
- Susceptible to Botrytis.
Habitat
- Rustic variety which adapts well to dry climates.
- Climate zones IV and V.
- Not very demanding with regard to the soil type.
Cluster
- Very large size, drooping, long, with not very pronounced wings.
- Weight 340 gr. / bunch.
- Round , quite thick grape.
- Typical red colour with reddish grey specks on the surface when mature.
- Quite thick berry skin.
Yield
- High, regular yield year after year.
Source: EVENA
