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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Table of Contents
1. Introduction of Malta
1.1 Country, Region, Area
1.2 Wine Origin and History
1.3 Wine Production
2. Grape Varieties
3. Winemaking in Malta
4. Methods of Viticulture and Vinification
5. The Quality certification system
6. Well Known Wines of Malta
7. Other Well Known Beverages of Malta
8. Maltese Dishes with Local Wines
8.1 Maltese Cuisine
8.2 Maltese dishes and wines
9. Legend
10. The Impact of Wines on the Local Economy
11. Ranking of Malta Wine
12. References
Project Goals and Themes
This project aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the wine industry in Malta, exploring the historical development, viticultural practices, and the economic significance of wine production on the island while detailing local wine varieties and their traditional pairings.
- Historical context and evolution of Maltese viticulture.
- Detailed analysis of international and indigenous grape varieties in Malta.
- Technical insights into modern winemaking and fermentation processes.
- Pairing recommendations for local Maltese cuisine and traditional dishes.
- The economic role of the wine industry within the context of Malta's global standing.
Excerpt from the Book
The Legend of Grand Maitre
The vineyard where the grapes originate is situated in the same area where the last battle of the Great Siege between the Knights of the order of St. John fought against the Turks in September 1565. In this final battle the Turks were situated at the North of Malta, at St. Paul’s Bay, to position their troops for the launch of yet another attack. Over 200 knights and the Sicilian relief of 8,000 soldiers were situated in Naxxar waiting for the Turks to advance, a garrison at Medina was also waiting for the Turks, in order to attack them on their flank.
Once the Turks had advanced as far as Burmarrad, all forces met in the area at Ghajn Rihana, where Marsovin’s vineyard is situated. The knights and Sicilian forces were far stronger and eager to rid of the enemy, whereas the Turks on the other hand were tired having spent day after day battling with the Maltese. The Turkish forces were driven back to their ships and that brought the end to the great siege.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction of Malta: Provides a geographical and historical overview of the Maltese islands, establishing the context for viticulture.
Grape Varieties: Details the primary grape varieties grown in Malta, including indigenous types like Ghirgentina and Gellewza.
Winemaking in Malta: Describes the general environment for winemaking, including the adaptation of terraced fields and the climate.
Methods of Viticulture and Vinification: Examines specific vineyard management systems and the technical processes used by major local wineries.
The Quality certification system: Discusses the current status of quality control and certification efforts within the Maltese wine industry.
Well Known Wines of Malta: Profiles flagship wines, offering insights into their characteristics, production, and ideal consumption.
Other Well Known Beverages of Malta: Covers non-wine local beverages such as Cisk Lager, Hopleaf beer, and Kinnie.
Maltese Dishes with Local Wines: Lists traditional Maltese foods and suggests appropriate wine pairings for each.
Legend: Explores folklore surrounding wine aging and historical narratives related to the Grand Maitre.
The Impact of Wines on the Local Economy: Analyzes the growing economic importance of the wine sector in the post-industrial Maltese economy.
Ranking of Malta Wine: Provides statistical data comparing Maltese wine production volume to other countries worldwide.
References: Lists the digital and academic sources used for the compilation of this study.
Keywords
Malta, Viticulture, Vinification, Marsovin, Delicata, Ghirgentina, Gellewza, Wine Production, Terroir, Maltese Cuisine, Grand Maitre, Cisk, Kinnie, Enology, Vineyard Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this project?
The project provides an analytical look at the Maltese wine industry, covering everything from geographical and historical foundations to modern production and economic impact.
Which key thematic areas are addressed?
The document covers viticulture methods, grape varieties (both international and indigenous), specific winery practices, and the integration of wine with Maltese culinary traditions.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary goal is to document the development and current state of wine management in Malta, highlighting its transition from small-scale production to a recognized sector.
Which scientific or research methods are used?
The paper utilizes descriptive industry analysis, historical review, and comparative statistical benchmarking of production data.
What topics are included in the main section?
The main sections detail the technical viticulture processes, individual winery profiles (Marsovin, Delicata), and detailed tasting notes for key Maltese wines.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Malta, viticulture, vinification, indigenous grape varieties, Maltese cuisine, and wine production economics.
How is the Grand Maitre wine historically significant?
The Grand Maitre is significant because it is dedicated annually to different Grand Masters of the Order of St. John, with labels reflecting their specific coats of arms.
What role does the local economy play in wine production?
The wine industry has emerged as a crucial alternative economic driver for Malta, especially since the decline of the traditional military base and naval dock industries.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Wagner (Author), 2002, Malta - Wine Studies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/7527
