A Brief History of Maltese Wine

Malta, one of the smallest wine-producing countries in the world, boasts a rich winemaking history that spans over 2,000 years. The first vines were introduced to Malta by the Phoenicians, and this tradition was carried on by the Greeks, Romans, and later by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
Whether you prefer a full-bodied red, a bright white, or a delightful rosé, Malta’s vineyards offer something special. The combination of rich soil, gentle sea breezes, and 300 days of sunshine annually creates the perfect environment for producing exceptional wines. Exploring the local vineyards and wineries offers visitors a chance to discover these unique wines firsthand.

The Unique Terroir of Malta

The Mediterranean climate of the Maltese islands, coupled with diverse cultural influences, has cultivated a distinctive wine culture. However, Maltese wines are rarely exported, making them a hidden gem for visitors. The vineyards are spread across Malta’s two main islands, with plots that are often small and
fragmented throughout the archipelago. The clay-limestone soil, moderate annual rainfall, and proximity to the sea (no more than 5 kilometers from any point) contribute to the unique characteristics of Maltese wines. The sea’s influence, particularly during the dry season, helps to mitigate dryness and enhances the flavor profile of the wines, imparting a subtle saltiness.

Vineyard Characteristics

Due to Malta’s limited agricultural land and demographic pressures, many vineyards are small and managed by part-time winegrowers. This limited capacity means that the demand for wine often exceeds what the local vineyards can supply. As a result, a significant portion of the wine sold domestically is made from imported must, primarily from Italy. However, for those seeking high-quality Maltese wines, look for labels marked with DOK (Denominazzjoni ta’ Oriġini Kontrollata) or IGT (Indicatzione Geografica Tipica), which certify that the wine has been produced with Maltese-grown grapes and follows strict production standards. Pay special attention to the “Malta grown” label to ensure authenticity.

Grape Varieties and Winemaking

Traditionally, Maltese vineyards were planted with two indigenous grape varieties: Girgentina (white) and Gellewza (black), known for producing supple wines with fruity aromas. These grapes are used to produce a variety of wines, including sparkling, still, and semi-sweet options. Since the late 1970s, and especially in the 1990s, efforts to improve the quality of Maltese wines have accelerated. The four main local wine companies -Marsovin, Delicata, Meridiana, and Camilleri- have spearheaded this movement with government support. These efforts include the introduction of international grape varieties, rigorous growing methods, careful grape harvesting, and meticulous aging processes. French grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Syrah have become prominent, alongside the Italian Sangiovese, particularly on the island of Gozo.

Notable Maltese Wineries

1. Cassar / Camilleri Winery: This vineyard produces a range of red and white wines from Maltese grapes (DOK), including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Their Cassar de Malte is the only Maltese ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Brut sparkling wine produced in the Traditional Method.
2. Delicata Winery: Established in 1907, Delicata is one of the Mediterranean’s finest wineries. It champions Malta’s endemic grape varieties, Girgentina and Gellewza, and hosts the annual Delicata Wine Festival in Valletta.
3. MarCasar: The highest vineyard estate in Malta, known for producing premium vegan and gluten-free wines using holistic permaculture practices.
4. Maria Rosa Winery: Located in Attard, this estate spans 4.2 hectares and cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sirakuzan grapes.
5. Markus Divinus/ Zafrana Winery: Situated in Dingli, this vineyard specializes in wines that embody the Maltese essence, particularly its flagship creation, Adon, which blends Syrah, Merlot, and other local varieties.
6. Marnisi Estate (Marsovin): Located in Marsaxlokk, this winery is known for producing premium Maltese wines, including the first made from the local grape variety, Ġellewża.
7. Marsovin Cellars & Marsovin Ramla Valley Estate: One of the oldest wine estates, covering more than 20 hectares, it produces a variety of wines, including the famous Antonin Blanc.
8. Meridiana Wine Estate: Located in Ta’ Qali, this vineyard estate is known for producing high-quality wines from varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
9. MonteKristo Estates: Nestled in the Siggiewi valley, MonteKristo offers a diverse array of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
10. San Niklaw Estate: Located in Żejtun, this estate offers a variety of wines, including those based on Syrah, Sangiovese, and Mourvèdre.
11. Ta’ Betta Wine Estates: A private estate in Girgenti, known for producing high-quality wines from its 4 hectares of terraced land.
12. Tal-Massar Winery: Located in Gozo, this vineyard produces robust wines with sensational aromas.
13. Ta’ Mena Gozo / Marsamena: Situated in the Marsalforn Valley, this vineyard produces GOZO D.O.K. Wines, known for their fruity and full-bodied character.

Wine Festivals and South-Eastern Vineyards

Visitors to the Three Cities and the south-eastern region of Malta should explore the local wineries, such as Marnisi Estate in Marsaxlokk, Marsovin Cellars in Marsa, and San Niklaw Estate in Żejtun. Several wine festivals offer opportunities to taste new and vintage wines in spectacular settings:

• June: Malta International Wine Festival in Floriana (Argotti Gardens)
• July: Marsovin Summer Wine Festival in Valletta (Hastings Gardens)
• August: Delicata Wine Festival in Valletta (Upper Barrakka Gardens)
• September: Delicata Wine Festival in Nadur (Gozo)

Guests of The Snop House can enjoy their wine discoveries on the exclusive terrace or sample a selection of wines available at the honesty bar.

Written in collaboration with Franco-Maltese Oenologist Patrick Martin.