Monemvasia-Malvasia, otherwise known as the sweet white wine which was the most renowned worldwide in the late Medieval Period. Its long story and reputation take us back to the 12th century, and to its production in the byzantine town of Monemvasia, where the castle port served as anchorage and supply center for the ships passing through from East and West.
In fact, the Franks trading in the area used to call this “sun-dried/liasto” wine Malvasia, naming it after the castle town of Monemvasia, proving the fact that it is, indeed, a geographical indication and a historical designation of origin.
During the Ottoman rule, in the 16th century, the vineyards were destroyed, resulting in a cease of production. The stone wine presses found scattered in the vineyards and the countless historical references dating up to 900 years ago are an undisputable testament of the great wine-making history in this land.
+ MoreBorn from the restless spirit of Giorgos and Elli Tsimbidi, with the support of the grand dame of Greek wine, Dr. Stavroula Kourakou-Dragona, and the contribution of the Wine Institute and the Agricultural Universities of Athens and Thessaloniki, the legendary wine of Monemvasia-Malvasia was once again revived in its birthplace after five centuries.
Because of the unique terrain and subterrain of the Epidaurus Limera peninsula, comprised of limestone and shale, and the particularly hot and dry climate with its high solar and wind energy levels, as well as due to the strong presence of the Myrtoan Sea, ideal natural ventilation conditions are created for the vineyards. The grapes are sun-dried on racks or on the ground for 8-12 days, so that their moisture is evaporated, and the concentration of sugars and other components is increased.
This way, we collect an amazingly concentrated raw material, which will offer us a charming, sweet wine with orange and golden shades, a rich character, round and velvety in its body, of exceptional complexity, and with a long finish.
+ MoreOn July 23 rd 2010, on the anniversary of Monemvasia’s liberation from the Ottomans, after an effort of 12 years, Monemvasia-Malvasia received the label of Protected Designation of Origin and in 2013 it was bottled for the first time, after aging for two years.
Today, it has already received over 60 medals and distinctions in international competitions.
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