The white grape variety originates from Croatia. Synonyms grouped alphabetically by country are White Malvasia, White Malvasia from Istria (Germany, Austria); White Malvoisie from Istria (England); Malvoisie de l'Istrie, Malvoisie d'Istrie Blanche (France); Casasola, Malvasia, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia Commune, Malvasia del Carso, Malvasia di Ronchi, Malvasia d'Istria, Malvasia Friulana, Malvasia lstriana, Malvasia Nostrale, Malvasia Puntinata (Italy); Istarska Malvazija, Malvazija, Malvazija Istarska Bijela, Vrbic, Vrbic Bijeli (Croatia); Istrska Malvazija, Polijšakica Drnovk (Slovenia). This is one of the many varieties with the name part Malvasia. The parentage is unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2007, it is genetically closely related to the varieties Malvasia Bianca Lunga, Malvasia di Lipari (Croat. Malvasija Dubrovacka) and Malvasia Nera di Brindisi. The variety was a crossing partner of the Vega variety.
As some names suggest, it probably originated from the Croatian peninsula of Istria, where it had probably been cultivated for centuries. A suspected Greek origin could not be confirmed by comparisons with Greek varieties. The medium to late ripening, high-yielding vine is susceptible to powdery mildew. It produces spicy, alcohol-rich white wines with moderate acidity and aromas of honey. In Croatia, it is widespread along the coast from Istria to Dalmatia and occupies 1,600 hectares. In Italy, it is permitted in the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions in the DOC wines Carso, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Collio Goriziano, Friuli Annia, Friuli Aquileia Friuli Isonzo and Friuli Latisana and occupies 272 hectares. In Slovenia it is cultivated on 915 hectares. There is also a tiny stand of one hectare in Australia. In 2016, a total of 2,788 hectares of vines were designated (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
