The Malvasia di Casorzo grape variety, like other black-berried 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, where sweet wines were produced and then exported throughout Europe by the Venetians under the name of Monemvasia. The wine made from this variety became extremely popular, so much so that Venice was full of taverns called Malvase, dedicated to its consumption. Another document from those years mentions a wine called “malvaticus,” which was black-berried Malvasia produced in Cyprus and also traded in Piedmont. In 1468, in the municipality of Mondonio, the first mention of a Malvasia vineyard was recorded. The Malvasia di Casorzo grape variety is cultivated in the municipality of Casorzo in the province of Asti.

The Malvasia di Casorzo vineyards are all located on the middle-to-upper parts of the hills around the village, to ensure better exposure to sunlight and better protection from spring frosts. The Malvasia di Casorzo grape variety has a relatively long lifespan and offers abundant and consistent yields. Compared to other grape varieties, it shows better resistance to atmospheric agents such as hail and frost. The grapes of this variety make up 90% of the composition of a sweet and aromatic red wine, aptly named Malvasia di Casorzo DOC. The remaining 10% may consist of Freisa, Grignolino, and Barbera varieties. The color of the wine ranges from cherry red to ruby red and is also produced in a sparkling version and a velvety passito version. Malvasia di Casorzo is one of the aromatic black-berried Malvasia varieties.