Wine:
Malta has the perfect wine-growing conditions (year-round warm climate, suitable soil and sea breeze)
As no Mediterranean meal is complete without a full bodied red or chilled, crisp white wine as accompaniment, Maltese dishes, served with wine produced on the Islands, is nothing short of amazing.
Maltese vintages are more than holding their own internationally, winning several accolades in Italy, France and further afield.
International grape varieties grown here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc and Moscato. Then there are the indigenous varieties, Gellewza and Ghirghentina, which are producing some excellent wines of distinct body and flavour.
Soil samples have been sent to Europe’s leading experts to assess which varieties are suitable for the distinct limestone terroir.
Grapes grown in Malta’s hot and humid climate ripen much quicker than their counterparts further north.
The Uk now stocks some of the local Maltese wines with Northern European markets beginning to follow suite.
If wine is your hobby, passion or favourite accompaniment to a sociable meal, the Maltese Islands have plenty to offer.
Malta wine tours: https://bit.ly/2RvPstB
Meridiana wine estate: http://meridiana.com.mt
Mar Casar estate: https://marcasar.com
Marsovin estate: http://www.marsovin.com
Ta Mena estate: http://tamena-gozo.com
Beer:
Malta’s iconic beer , Cisk, with a bright yellow label that has been brewed in Malta since August of 1929. Born out of adversity and determination, Cisk was to play a definitive role in changing a predominately wine drinking culture to embrace the love of beer.It’s become a Maltese institution, equivalent to pastizzi and festa fireworks.
Blue Label is a top-fermented ale which offers a velvety texture with subtle chocolate and caramel notes, while Hopleaf Pale Ale was made to be quite British in taste, as it was originally brewed to cater to the British market during the days of the Empire.
More info on Farsons Brewery: https://www.farsons.com/en/bc-our-brands
This little craft beer brewery was set up in Gozo just in time for the movement to settle into the islands. “We’re an independent brewery making that kind of tasty, flavourful beer we want to drink.” Hard not to try it after that.
Their San Blas Amber Ale won an honorable mention at the 2014 Brussels Beer Challenge, their Blue Lagoon Belgian-style Witbier and Fungus Rock Dry Stout both received bronze medals at the International Beer Challenge in 2015, they’ve started exporting Special Bitter to Germany and Italy in 2016 and will soon compete on the international stage at the Great British Beer Festival as the only brewery representing Malta.
More info onLord Chambry Brewery: https://www.lord-chambray.com
