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Malvasia delle Lipari
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Classification: DOC (Denominazione d'Origine Controllata) / (Quality wines produced in a specific region)
Color: Golden or amber yellow
Region of production: The Lipari Islands
Minimum alcohol content: 11.5%
Grapes used: Up to 95% Malvasia delle Lipari
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The beauty of the beaches and the grottos, the mildness of the climate and thousands of years of history make the Lipari Islands enchanting destinations. These islands were formerly called the Aeolian Islands, and they are situated northeast of Sicily, Their fertile terrain, on which grows olives, capers and all sorts of fruit, is perfect for the vines that produce Malvasia delle Lipari grapes, from which the DOC (Denominazione d'Origine Controllata) / (Quality wines produced in a specific region) wine of the same name is made.
The rich abundance of volcanic pumice stone in the soil imbues the wine with some very special, sophisticated notes. The way they grow the grapes on low espaliers, combined with the superb quality of the sparse grape clusters and their late harvest date conspire to imbue this wine with a uniquely rich, full flavor. The grapes are actually left on the vines until they begin to wither slightly, a process that is completed once they have been harvested and placed in the sun on the traditional cane trellises to dry. This is one of the great Mediterranean wines and currently available in three versions of the appellation; natural, raisin wine and liqueur-like.
The natural version boasts a lively golden color, the mellow bouquet of white flowers and yellow fruit and a distinctly sweet flavor, but one that's never cloying. The sweetness of juniper notes and the fragrance of peaches, plums and apricots is countered by a slightly salty note that results from the vines exposure to iodine. Distinguished by the natural flavor and aromatic quality of grapes, this is a dessert wine that goes perfectly with custard or fruit-filled puff-pastries and it should also be tried with traditional Sicilian almond cookies.
The Malvasia delle Lipari raisin wine has a much high sugar content and so it also boasts a higher percentage of alcohol (18%). Its rich amber tone is accompanied by sweet fruity notes of figs, dates and candied citrus fruits. With its more powerful notes of eucalyptus and honey, orange and almond marmalade, it makes a perfect accompaniment to desserts made with candied fruit as well as soft, strong-flavored cheeses, plus, it is absolutely wonderful with goose's liver. It features a conspicuous sea tang and may be aged in the bottle for up to five years. It should be served at a temperature of 8-10°C in medium-sized tulip-shaped goblets in order to fully enjoy its rich flavor and range of Mediterranean fragrances. And for more sophisticated palates, it can even hold its own when drunk with peach or watermelon sherbets.
The liqueur-like version is obtained by adding alcohol. Much stronger (20% alcohol) and thicker, it has much the same flavor and fragrance as the raisin-wine version. Its even more complex, carefully structured flavor makes it an excellent after-dinner drink.
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