Malvasia del Lazio is a white grape variety found primarily in central Italy. It is used to make a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet, and is often blended with other local grapes to add complexity and flavor.
Malvasia del Lazio is a green-yellow coloured grape variety with aromas of citrus, peach, pear and tropical fruits. On the palate, it is light-bodied and has a slightly bitter finish. It has moderate acidity and low tannins.
Malvasia del Lazio is mainly found in central Italy, in the region of Lazio, which includes the cities of Rome and Naples. It is also found in some parts of Umbria, Abruzzo and Marche. The vines are vigorous and need to be pruned heavily to keep yields low and quality high. It is susceptible to fungal diseases, especially powdery and downy mildews. Mid to late ripening. Due to the fact that its prone to botrytis it is used as blending component in noble rotten sweet wines but can be made into a variety of styles, from dry to sweet, and is most often used in blends with other local grapes. Malvasia del Lazio is used in a variety of wines in the region, depending on the particular style desired. It is used in dry whites, sparkling wines, semi-sweet and dessert wines. It is often blended with other local varieties such as Trebbiano. Malvasia del Lazio is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. It is best suited to lighter dishes such as salads, seafood and white meats. It can also pair well with mild cheeses.
Malvasia del Lazio is a natural cross, that most likely took place in Lazio, between Muscat of Alexandria and Schiava Grossa.