Exploring Maltese Wines: A Journey Through Terroir, Tradition, and Innovation

In the world of wine, the journey from vine to bottle is a fascinating blend of history, tradition, and innovation.

In this feature, we embark on a captivating exploration of the Award in Maltese Wines course offered at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), delving into the rich tapestry of Maltese winemaking.

As students of this course have learned, understanding wine involves unraveling the intricate relationships between terroir, viticulture, and vinification. Join ITS on this sensory adventure through the vineyards and cellars of Malta.

A Journey Through History:

Wine has been an integral part of human culture and history, tracing its origins back to ancient rituals and celebrations. From the Fertile Crescent, where wild grapevines were first cultivated, to the rituals of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, wine has played a sacred role in our social, cultural, and culinary experiences. The journey of wine has witnessed both triumphs and setbacks, with innovations and preservation techniques allowing it to evolve and age gracefully over thousands of years.

Terroir and Vineyard Diversity:

Malta, despite its lesser-known status in the world of wine, boasts a winemaking tradition that dates back to the 16th century. While historical challenges such as the devastation caused by phylloxera separated today's vines from their ancient ancestors, the Maltese terroir is remarkably adaptable, fostering a variety of grapevines. Endemic varieties like Girgentina and Gellewza, along with other varietals, are thriving in the unique Maltese climate, thanks to the 300 days of sunshine and the island's diverse soil types.

Appellation and Quality Standards:

Malta introduced an appellation system in 2007, setting standards for wine production. The terms D.O.K. (Denominazzjoni ta' Origini Kontrollata) and I.G.T. (Indikazzjoni Ġeografika Tipika) help qualify and quantify Maltese wines, taking into account factors such as alcohol levels, acidity, and grape origin. D.O.K. Malta is for wines produced from Maltese grapes, D.O.K. Gozo for those from Gozitan vineyards, and I.G.T. for a blend of both, each with specific standards to ensure quality.

Exploring Maltese Wineries:

Throughout the course, students will devour theoretical knowledge through classroom-based lectures within the ITS Wine Lab, under the guidance and inspiration of lecturers such as Mr Aaron Rizzo. But the joys and appreciation of eloping Maltese wine trellis deep into the vineyards cascading along Malta and Gozo’s rich terroir. Vineyard visits are the highlight of this course; intense in both the consumption of viticultural theory and viticultural practice through D.O.K. and I.G.T. wines of the Maltese islands.

Expect to visit wineries such as Marsovin, Montekristo, Delicata and Ta’ Mena and the vineyards of Markus Divinus, Mar Casar, Ta’ Betta Wine Estate and La Meridiana where you will get first hand experience in appellation tastings in the cellars, wine libraries or vineyards of our island’s finest winemakers.