Malvasia, the Most Famous Grape of the Aeolian Islands
Malvasia is the most well-known grape of the Aeolian Islands, having found its ideal environment in the Mediterranean and volcanic context of the archipelago. Thanks to a combination of tradition, innovation, and centuries of history, this variety has become one of the most iconic and celebrated in Italian winemaking.
Malvasia is an ancient grape variety of debated origin, and the Malvasia delle Lipari is probably linked to the Greek world: its name derives from the city of Monemvasía in the Peloponnese, meaning “port with a single entrance.” Cultivated on the volcanic and sandy soils of the Aeolian Islands, which provide the wine with a perfect balance of aromas, sugars, and acidity, Malvasia is vinified in several styles: passito, sweet passito, and dry white.
For the natives of the Aeolian Islands, Malvasia represents a wine of traditions, passed down through generations and closely tied to the concept of family. This grape symbolizes not only nostalgia for the past but also the desire to reinterpret it, giving it a contemporary dimension.
Thanks to its versatility, Malvasia is now expressed in modern interpretations as a fresh, fruity dry white wine. Tenuta di Castellaro is working to highlight this multifaceted variety, strongly influenced by the union of volcanic soil and sea, which gives the Aeolian Malvasia its unique character. The Malvasia delle Lipari DOC received its designation on September 20, 1973—a historic date that marked the destiny of these identity wines produced exclusively in the Aeolian archipelago.
Tenuta di Castellaro Produces Three Malvasia delle Lipari Wines
The first and most famous is our classic Bianco Pomice, a blend of dry Malvasia delle Lipari and Carricante—two contrasting varieties that perfectly complement each other, creating a final result that has made the wine an icon of the Aeolian and Sicilian tradition.
The 2022 vintage is still available for a few months, already well-aged in bottle and ready for tasting.
Next is the Malvasia delle Lipari DOC Passito, produced exclusively in the traditional 0.375 L format, currently available with the 2019 vintage. A golden, rich wine with intense notes of dried fruit, honey, apricot, and Mediterranean herbs, balanced by fresh acidity. It pairs wonderfully with Sicilian desserts, pastries, blue cheeses, or can be enjoyed as a meditation wine. A must-have for your personal cellar, ready for your next special occasion!
Finally, our latest creation is Eúxenos, a dry, pure expression of Malvasia delle Lipari, lightly macerated in terracotta amphorae, where it ages for several months before release. A true Aeolian masterpiece, dedicated to those seeking something truly unique and inimitable, and to the most passionate fans of Tenuta di Castellaro.
