Malvazija is a very popular grape in the Primorje region, brought to Slovene Primorje in the 13th century from neighbouring Italy. The origins of this vine are not well known, although it appears to be very old, possibly of Greek origin, and cultivated widely all over the Mediterranean.
Malvazija is not a dependable vine, and even in good years its yield is irregular at best. The wine is golden yellow and has a balanced flavour with no special bouquet; it is a rather strong wine with an average of 12% of alcohol.
In poor years, Malvazija is a rather flat wine. Good vintage must is extraordinarily rich in sugar, so an even higher alcohol content can be achieved; however, good vintage Malvazija should not be allowed to ferment into a dry wine since the unassuming bouquet and slight acids really do not support a high alcohol content and the wine becomes unbalanced.
This is a very common wine in Primorje; the best conditions for its cultivation are in the Kras and Koper areas.
Malvazija should be served at 10 - 12 °C (50 - 53.6 °F) and goes best with fish and shellfish.
