From Greek Island to Istria: The Incredible Story of a Wine Aiming to Conquer the World

In a small vineyard in Istria, Croatia, a project is underway to cultivate "all the Malvasias of the world." This initiative aims to establish the ancient grape variety as a global brand, exploring its complex history and genetic diversity. The vineyard, named Mare Nostrum, already houses 47 genetic variants and clones of Malvasia, a grape whose origins are traced back to the Greek island of Monemvasia.

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We want to make Malvasia a global brand.

The story of Malvasia is far more intricate than previously understood. Historical records and new scientific tools, particularly genetic sequencing, are revealing its ancient Mediterranean roots and its spread through trade routes, notably with the Venetian Republic. Once a symbol of prestigious winemaking across the Mediterranean, the perception of Malvasia is being reshaped by this renewed historical and scientific inquiry.

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Malvasia – History and Culture of Istria

This ambitious project is supported by a new monograph, "Malvazija – Povijest i kultura Istre" (Malvasia – History and Culture of Istria), published in Croatian, Italian, and English. The research and the project itself were spurred by a desire to understand the historical shifts surrounding the grape and its name. A notable event in 2005 saw a group journey from Istria to Monemvasia on two sailboats for a scientific and hedonistic expedition called Malvasia Mediterannea, carrying high-quality Istrian Malvasia to its ancestral home.

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Malvasia – History and Culture of Istria

Legend holds that all Malvasia varieties originated from Monemvasia. As Greek colonists expanded across the Mediterranean, they carried grapevine cuttings, spreading viticulture. These cuttings reached Istria, with local legend pointing to an ancient site named Kalavojna, meaning "good wine." The name "Malvasia" itself evolved through Italian variations, influenced by the Greek "monemvasia," especially during the early second millennium when Venice's influence grew.

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Malvasia – History and Culture of Istria