The Malvasia Nera di Lecce grape variety, like Malvasia Nera di Brindisi, is an indigenous black-berried grape variety widely cultivated in their respective provinces in the Puglia region. They have always been considered two different grape varieties due to their quite distinct behavior in the vineyard. However, recent ampelographic and molecular studies suggest that their relationship is much closer than previously thought. Like other black-berried Malvasias, Malvasia Nera di Lecce 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 Lecce grape variety is primarily found in the provinces of Lecce, Taranto, and Brindisi. Moderately productive, Malvasia Nera di Lecce develops medium-sized clusters and berries with thin bluish skins. The must does not have the typical pronounced muscat flavor common in many Malvasias. Additionally, unlike Malvasia Nera di Brindisi, which is characterized by a slightly aromatic tone, Malvasia Nera di Lecce never presents aromatic notes. 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 Lecce 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 Lecce 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.
