The Malvasia Nera di Brindisi grape variety, like Malvasia Nera di Lecce, are two indigenous black-berried grape varieties widely cultivated in their respective provinces in the Puglia region. They have always been considered two different grape varieties, as their behavior in the vineyard is quite different. However, recent ampelographic and molecular studies suggest that their relationship is much closer than previously thought. Like other black-berried Malvasias, Malvasia Nera di Brindisi 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 later exported throughout Europe by the Venetians under the name of Monemvasia.
As the name suggests, the Malvasia Nera di Brindisi grape variety is primarily found in the provinces of Lecce, Taranto, and Brindisi. Moderately productive, Malvasia Nera di Brindisi develops medium-sized clusters and berries with thin bluish skins. The must does not have the distinctive muscat flavor typical of many Malvasias, although its slight aromatic component is enough to classify it among the aromatic Malvasia varieties. It has long shared the vineyard and, in many cases, the fermentation process with Negroamaro in many Salento appellations, including Salice Salentino DOC and Brindisi DOC. Additionally, Malvasia Nera di Brindisi is also used as a component in various rosé wines belonging primarily to the Puglian DOCs of Alezio, Leverano, Copertino, Lizzano, Nardò, Salice Salentino, and Squinzano. When vinified as a white wine, Malvasia Nera di Brindisi can also produce a dry wine with great character, and when blended with other grape varieties, it contributes to rounding out their characteristics and softening any harshness.
