Ġellewża () is a dark-skinned grape variety that is native to the island of

Malta Malta ( , , ), officially the Republic of Malta ( mt, Repubblika ta' Malta ), is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago, between Italy and Libya, and is often considered a part of Southern Europe. It lies ...

. Only a small amount of wine is made from this little-planted variety. Volumes are far surpassed on the island by Girgentina, another native variety, along with the ever-present Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Style

Ġellewża is used to make still red wines, as well as a semi-sparkling rosé wine. The strawberry-tinged sparkling rosés are often made in a medium dry style, with red fruit aromas to the fore. The red wines tend to be medium bodied, but Ġellewża is increasingly found in blends, together with Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon to make a more full-bodied wine. Ġellewża often acts to soften the spiciness of the wine and add a bright cherry flavour.

Usage

As most of Malta's wine output is consumed by locals and the thriving tourism trade, very little Ġellewża wine is found outside of the island. Furthermore, the survival of indigenous grape varieties is under threat due to climate change (longer periods of drought) and the high average age of growers.

References

Red wine grape varieties Wine articles needing images Grape varieties of Malta {{Malta-stub

Style

Usage

See also

References