Introduction of Malta
Country, Region, Area
Set in the clear blue Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese islands are the most southerly European country. It is just an archipelago of islands about halfway between the coasts of Sicily and North Africa. The archipelago consists of five islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, together with two other uninhabited islands Cominetto and Filfla. The total area is approximately 316 sq kms (Malta 246 sq km, Gozo 67 sq km, Comino 2.7 sq km). The longest distance in Malta from North West to South East is about 27 km, with 14.5 km width in an East - West direction. The Islands are only 90 km south of Sicily and 290 km from the northern coast of Africa.
The strategic position of Malta, Gozo and Comino has made these Mediterranean islands a crossroad of history and a bone of contention. The powers of Europe′s past knew it well as a stepping-stone between Europe and North Africa. Involved in Malta′s history are the Stone-Age and Bronze-Age people, Romans and Phoenicians, Arabs, Normans and Carthaginians, Castilians, French and British; from whom Malta became independent in 1964. Napoleon Bonaparte did unutterable damage in an only six-day occupation; and Malta stood firm against Hitler despite massive bombing during World War II, deservedly earning the nation the George Cross medal from King George VI (April 1942) and depicting it on the left hand corner of the flag.
Wine Origin and History
Malta′s viticulture, like its history, dates back thousands of years. The first Phoenician settlers introduced its cultivation in Malta. Along with improved forms of the vine they introduced their methods of cultivation which along the course of the ages have had slight variations and even today shows signs of its Phoenician origin.
Although it is assumed that vines were planted on Malta from the time it was properly settled, the foundations of today′s wine industry were laid by the Knights of St. John when they were ceded Malta by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V of Spain in 1530. The Knights brought with them vine-cuttings from Europe to revitalize whatever vineyards remained after two centuries of Arab domination.
In the middle ages owing to the recurrent invasions by the Arabs of Barbary, the spread of malaria, the epidemics of fevers and plague, and the emigration to Sicily and Italy, the population became greatly reduced in numbers, and the cultivation of lands in outlying districts was neglected or abandoned.
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Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction of Malta
- Country, Region, Area
- Wine Origin and History
- Wine Production
- Grape Varieties
- Winemaking in Malta
- Methods of Viticulture and Vinification
- The Quality certification system
- Well Known Wines of Malta
- Other Well Known Beverages of Malta
- Maltese Dishes with Local Wines
- Maltese Cuisine
- Maltese dishes and wines
- The Impact of Wines on the Local Economy
- Ranking of Malta Wine
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This beverage management project, conducted at University Center César Ritz by MMU and HD, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Maltese wine industry. It delves into the history, production methods, and cultural significance of wine in Malta.
- The historical evolution of Maltese viticulture
- The influence of different cultures on winemaking practices
- The impact of wine on the Maltese economy and society
- The current state and potential for future development of the Maltese wine industry
- The relationship between Maltese cuisine and local wines
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides a geographical and historical context for Malta, highlighting its strategic location and diverse cultural influences. It also introduces the origins of winemaking in Malta, tracing its roots back to the Phoenician settlers.
The chapter on wine production explores various aspects of the Maltese wine industry, including the grape varieties, winemaking methods, and the quality certification system. This section provides insights into the unique characteristics of Maltese winemaking, highlighting its historical and contemporary practices.
The chapter on Maltese dishes and wines delves into the culinary landscape of Malta, exploring the traditional dishes and how they are paired with local wines. This chapter sheds light on the cultural significance of wine in Malta, showcasing its role in both everyday life and special occasions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This project explores the Maltese wine industry through keywords like viticulture, vinification, grape varieties, quality certification, Maltese cuisine, and the impact of wine on the local economy. The project focuses on the history, production, and cultural significance of wine in Malta.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Wagner (Author), 2002, Malta - Wine Studies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/7527
