Wines of Malta from VitiMalta.

18th May, 2012.


Some three or four weeks ago, I was introduced to a somewhat new venture in winemaking in Malta. VitiMalta.

Vitimalta is the largest grape producer organisation in the Maltese Islands, representing over 300 viticultural farmers in Malta and Gozo, and is now responsible for the production of 90% of all Maltese and Gozitan grapes used in local wine production.

VitiMalta Wines.

The viticultural farmers associated with VitiMalta therefore are the major suppliers of grapes to the wine industry in Malta, who under contract to the winemakers, grow, cultivate and harvest their grapes in accordance with, the requirements of the wine quality that would be planned to be produced from certain vineyards and locations. Most adhere rigorously to the requirements as stipulated by the wine regulations of Malta, and grow good quality grape varietals to conform with DOK and IGT requirements.

VitiMalta produce four of their own wines, which started with the 2009 vintage as an experiment, but which seem to be gathering momentum culminating in the production of some 20,000 bottles a year.

Maleth 2009.

Maleth 2009. Table Wine 13% alcohol.

A dry, full-bodied red wine, dark ruby in colour; produced from a blend of a late harvest of Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc grapes, from Malta. On the nose this wine has aromas of a red fruit character of cassis, black pepper and spice and is slightly plummy. On the palate tannic and astringent as it is still quite young, fruity with hints of cherries  and black currants,  herbaceous. The finish is long with a black pepper spicy finish.

This wine was produced from Malta grown grapes at the Elorina Winery in Noto Sicily under the direction of oenologist Professor Rosario Ciccazzo, and has emerged into a full-bodied, dry red wine, with a strong and powerful structure and tannins. This wine was matured in stainless steel vats after fermentation. It is a wine that is still evolving and require at least five years from vintage, viz. up to 2014 to be really enjoyed. It can be consumed now, nonetheless, but the strong tannis might be too powerful for some. If drunk now, it is recommended to open the bottle at least 2 hours before drinking or to decant the wine at least 1 hour before.

Premium style wine.

An ideal accompaniment to roast meat and beef dishes.

Recommended serving temperature:
18 - 20C

Auctoritas Chardonnay and
Merlot, and the Maleth.

Auctoritas Merlot 2009 - DOK Superior - 12,5%

A dry, fruity Merlot from Gozo, rich ruby red in colour, with abundant aromas of mature dried fruit combined and strawberries, giving a medium-long finish with supple and rounded tannins.

This mono varietal Merlot is produced from 100% Merlot grapes grown in Gozo. Like other wines produced from this grape variety from the vineyards of Gozo, this has also turned out into an excellent, medium bodied, dry red wine. ready to be drunk and enjoyed now.

A medium-bodied premium Merlot for easy drinking.


An ideal accompaniment to roast meat and beef dishes.

Recommended serving temperature:
18 - 20C

Auctoritas Chardonnay 2010.
DOK Superior - Gozo 12% Alcohol.

Rich medium-bodied, dry Chardonnay, straw-yellow in colour, with good acidity and citric hints of lemon and grapefruit in the mouth. Refreshingly smooth with some buttery notes and floral aromas.

A crispy, un-oaked, dry Chardonnay, produced to be drunk young.

Easy drinking.  

Complements fish, seafood,  poultry, and white meat dishes.
Recommended serving temperature:
10 - 12C

The four selections also
showing the Auctoritas Rose'.

Auctoritas Shiraz Rose' 2010.
DOK Superior-Gozo 12% Alcohol

An off-dry medium bodied Shiraz Rose' from Gozo, rich pinky-rose' in colour, refreshingly pleasant with a fruity aroma of strawberries and spice, and with soft flavours of black cherries.
This is one of the very best Rose' wines that I have tasted, and supersedes in quality most imported rose's. Produced from 100% Gozo grown Shiraz grapes.  
Easy Drinking.

On its own or as an ideal accompaniment to fish, poultry and white meat dishes.

Recommended serving temperature:
9 - 12C

 Shop price for these wines is a paltry Eur4.60 for each bottle, which makes the value for money of these wines superlative. They can be found at the wine cellar at PAVI Supermarket in Qormi.