Malvasia Bianca Lunga

Grape variety	Malvasia Bianca Lunga
Synonyms	Malvasia del Chianti, Malvasia di Toscana, Malvagia, Sgranarella.
Grape colour	White grape
History	The Malvasia Bianca Lunga, a varietal of ancient lineage, is believed to have originated in Greece, specifically in the fortress city of Monemvasia. The wines produced from this grape were highly sought after in the medieval period, especially in the bustling markets of Venice, where they were known by the name of the city. The Malvasia Bianca Lunga was later incorporated into the renowned Chianti blend in 1870 by Count Benito Ricasoli, alongside Sangiovese, Trebbiano, and Canaiolo, cementing its status within the viticultural history. Today, it continues to play a significant role within the Italian wine scene, particularly in the Tuscany region where it's also referred to as Malvasia del Chianti.
Ampelographic features	The Malvasia Bianca Lunga vine has medium to large, pentagonal leaves, often with five to seven lobes. The leaf's surface is smooth, somewhat bulging and slightly wavy, with a greenish-bottle green hue on the upper side. The underside is either spider-web-like or woolly, in shades ranging from light grey to green. The serrated edges of the leaf are distinctively noticeable. The grape bunch is large, compact, and elongated-pyramidal in shape, often with two wings. The berries are medium or small in size, spherical and uniform, with a strong, golden-green skin covered in bloom. The flesh is juicy with a pleasing, characteristic neutral flavor. The pedicel is medium-short, straw-yellow in color, slightly larger and more warty than that of the Trebbiano grape.
Characteristics of the wine	Wines produced from the Malvasia Bianca Lunga grape exhibit a straw-yellow hue. They are known for their fresh, tart, and aromatic palate, embodying the sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean. This wine variety brings a unique character to the table, offering a balance of acidity, aroma, and flavor that is distinctively Malvasia Bianca Lunga.