RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

The Maltese archipelago, including the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, boasts a wine-making tradition that has remained hidden for years. The origins of the local grape varieties are only partly known, but the Phoenicians are thought to have introduced them. Recent archaeological excavations brought to light a set of wine-making tools dating back to 5,000 BC.

Gellewza is a red grape whose name comes from Arabic and means “hazelnut” in Maltese. Until the 90s, two local grape varieties were grown in Malta’s vineyards, gellewza and girgentina. Then, due to the growing presence of international varieties such as chardonnay and merlot, the interest in local grape varieties plummeted. The Maltese varieties have gained renewed importance in the last decade, but are absolutely unknown outside of the Maltese islands.

The landscape of the Maltese archipelago is difficult to manage, and is interpreted differently through the local grapes and wine from year to year. The Mediterranean climate allows a quick and early ripening, but high temperatures make working in the vineyards particularly hard. Grapes are typically harvested beginning in late July, and this activity is carried out early in the morning to avoid excessive heat.

Wine made from gellewza grapes is a fresh and delicate with an alcohol content of about 10%. These wines are suitable both as an aperitif and to accompany cheese and olives.

(Courtesy of Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/gellewza-grape/

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