Known variously as Malvasia, Malvazia and Malmsey, Malvasia is historically the most celebrated of the classic grape varieties on he island: the sweetest and most unctuous of Madeiras - the stuff of legends, literature, and song.

Malvasia is lighter-hued than Boal, but with elevage it darkens considerably, resulting in wines that are full-bodied and opulent, rich with flavors of toffee, molasses, caramel, coffee, quince and spice cake, yet (like all madeiras) never cloying.