Malvasia delle Lipari

About the wine

Malvasia delle Lipari is a historic Sicilian DOC representing one of Italy's most prestigious sweet wines. Produced in the Aeolian Islands, primarily on the island of Salina, this wine is crafted from a blend dominated by the aromatic Malvasia di Lipari grape, with a small, traditional addition of Corinto Nero. The production is defined by extreme viticulture, often on volcanic, terraced slopes that require meticulous manual labor. The wines are available in three styles: a standard white, a highly prized passito—made from sun-dried grapes—and a fortified liquoroso. The passito is particularly renowned for its golden-to-amber hue, intense aromatic bouquet, and a velvety, harmonious palate that balances sweetness with complexity. These wines are quintessential 'meditation wines,' reflecting the unique volcanic terroir and the ancient winemaking traditions of the Aeolian archipelago, which have been preserved and refined by local producers since the Greek colonization.

Grape varieties

Production & aging

The production zone encompasses the entire Aeolian (or Lipari) archipelago in the province of Messina, Sicily. This includes the islands of Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Panarea, Filicudi, and Alicudi. The vineyards are typically situated on volcanic soils, often on steep, terraced slopes, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate characterized by significant wind exposure.