The Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata grape variety, like other white Malvasia varieties, belongs to the family of grape varieties whose name “Malvasia” derives from a contracted variation of Monembasia, a Byzantine stronghold perched on the rocks of a promontory in the south of the Peloponnese, in Greece, where sweet wines were produced and then exported throughout Europe by the Venetians under the name of Monemvasia. The wine made from this local variety became extremely popular, so much so that Venice was full of taverns called Malvase, dedicated to its consumption. The Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata grape variety is closely tied to the region of Basilicata, from which it takes its name, and is mostly vinified in blends with other local varieties, to which it imparts acidity and aromatic fragrance. Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata is indeed an aromatic grape variety, meaning it can impart the same aroma to the wine as present in its ripe grapes.

The Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata grape variety has a large, pentagonal but also orbicular, pentalobate leaf. Its cluster is medium-sized, cylindrical-conical, simple or winged, and loose. The berry is small, round, with a pruinose skin of green-yellow-pink color. The Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata grape variety has medium-low vigor and a medium ripening period. The Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata grape variety produces a wine with a pale straw color, a pronounced aroma on the nose, and a pleasantly soft and slightly sweet taste.