Malvasia de Sitges

Vine of Greek origin, which has spread in many areas of the Mediterranean Basin, in Croatia (Malvasia of Dubrovnik), in Italy (Malvasia of Sardinia, Malvasia of Bosa, Malvasia of Lipari) and in Spain (Malvasia aromática, of Banyalbufar of Sitges). It is grown with the name of Malvasia in the D.O. Abona, El Hierro, Empordá, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, Penedés, Tacoronte Acentejo, Valle de Güímar, Valle de la Orotava and Ycoden-Daute-Isora; with the name of Malvasia de Sitges or Malvasia Grossa in the D.O. Catalunya. It has a cluster of medium size, cylindrical-conical, winged, or pyramidal and semi-sparse, due to its slight millerandage. The berry is of medium size and sub-oval. The pulp has a slightly aromatic taste. This vine of average vigour has a creeping growth habit. It prefers medium-expansion training systems and medium-short pruning. It has a medium budburst period. Moderately susceptible to downy mildew, but very susceptible to powdery mildew. Little resistance to spring frosts. Variety of not-high yield, but constant, it has a medium-early ripening period. It produces wines of straw-yellow or intense golden yellow colour, almost brown after aging, with a slightly muscatel, intense aroma (bitter almonds) and a dry, warm, bitter taste.