The white wine variety Malvasia Riojana is a very long-established grape variety in Spain; it was first mentioned in the middle of the 15th century under the name Alarije. Although the name Malvasia would suggest it, this variety is in no way related to the large Malvasia family. In some regions of Spain the Malvasia Riojana is also found under the name Torrontes, which causes further confusion. On the one hand, many varieties that are not related to the Malvasia Riojana are called Torrontes in Portugal, but on the other hand, this Malvasia is in no way related to the Argentinian Torrontes Riojana. The Malvasia Riojana was probably created through a natural crossing of two table grapes. It sprouts rather late and also ripens late. The grapes of this grape variety, which is particularly susceptible to fungal diseases, are large and quite compact, but the berries are rather small. The Malvasia Riojana is vigorous and produces good yields. The Malvasia Riojana is widely scattered in Spain, but usually only on a few hectares. It can be found in Castilla-La-Mancha as well as in Rioja, where it can be part of the white Rioja wines. In Penedes it is approved for the production of Cava. It responds excellently to aging in wood, and it can also be used to produce fortified wines or noble sweet wines. There are no known occurrences of this variety outside of Spain.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Alarije Dorada, Barcelonés, Malvasia Riojana, Malvasía de Rioja
