Sardinia is known all over the world also and above all for its food and wine excellences, which boast truly irresistible typical products. In this sense, it is impossible not to mention the Malvasia di Bosa, whose charm is linked to a truly extraordinary history.
Born as a meditation wine, it has the color of gold and the scent of the sea. It has known its best period in the Middle Ages: produced in the Greek islands of Crete and Rhodes, the origin of the name is to be attributed to the Venetians.
According to scholars, the vine is almost certainly native to the city of Monemvasia, or Monobasia, located on the west coast of the Peloponnese, an ancient port town. Here the Venetians, to help a Greek prince to conquer the fortress, have penetrated inside and have immediately appreciated the Malvasia, to the point of dedicating an intense trade.
The arrival of Malvasia in Sardinia is to be reported around the V-VI century AD, after the fall of the Roman Empire, by the docks of Bosa and Calaris. Currently, Malvasia di Bosa Doc is produced in just 27 hectares of vineyards scattered in 7 specific municipalities: Bosa, Suni, Tinnura, Flussio, Magomadas, Tresnuraghes, Modolo.
Foto : Unsplash
Bosa
Bosa is a charming village where tradition blends perfectly with modernity. The image that remains imprinted from the first moment is that of the historic district sa Costa, which is characterized by its colorful houses that climb the hill of Serravalle dominated by the Castle of Malaspina. From above, you can enjoy the panorama over the entire resort.
Inside, the village hosts truly extraordinary places, such as the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Romanesque Church of San Pietro extra muros. In its entirety, it represents the center of the historical region of Planargia, with its artisan and gastronomic tradition, which welcomes tourists and visitors with a glass of fine Malvasia and the catch of the day.
Suni
A village of just over 1000 inhabitants, Suni is located on a plateau of Planargia a few minutes from Bosa. Together, take part in the Roads of Malvasia, through which you can taste the typical sweet wine in all its facets.
The town extends around the Church of San Pancrazio and the Parish Church of Santa Maria della Neve, both celebrated during the summer with initiatives dedicated to folklore.
Tinnura
With its 250 inhabitants, Tinnura is among the smallest villages on the island. It is located not far from Bosa and Oristano, on a basaltic plateau overlooking the fertile valley of Modolo. Inside, they practice mainly agriculture and breeding, so much so that the territory is dotted with orchards, olive groves and vineyards from which comes mainly the local Malvasia. The houses in the center are decorated with colorful traditional murals that offer a different photo opportunity than usual.
Flux
Populated by less than 500 people, Flussio rises on a slope between the lower valley of the river Temo and the basaltic buttress of Pedra Senta. His is a fertile territory that allows the collection of asphodel, whose dried stems are used for the creation of characteristic baskets, called corbels, and baskets through the technique of weaving. This practice is also dedicated to the Museum of Asphodel, inside which you can admire a series of artifacts made with willow, cane, elm and olive trees.
Another attraction not to be missed involves the vineyards of Malvasia, from which the Cantina Sociale della Planargia produces an excellent Malvasia, branded DOC, grappa and sparkling wine. Along with the other villages, Flussio is part of the Malvasia di Bosa Wine Route.
Magomadas
In the wake of the villages illustrated so far, Mogomadas is also part of the circle of the Malvasia di Bosa Road. It consists of a small town of just 700 inhabitants located on the top of a hill that offers a breathtaking view of both the Modolo valley and the sea.
Tresnuraghes
In the western part of the Planargia plateau is Tresnuraghes, between Oristano and Capo Marrargiu. Inhabited by about 1200 inhabitants, the village is located a few kilometers from Bosa. Its name derives from the ancient presence of three nuraghi right near the town, but there are other examples of the rest of the territory, such as the nuraghi Martine, Nani and Tepporo, as well as a tomb of Giants.
Modolo
The last producer village of Malvasia di Bosa is Modolo, located in a beautiful valley surrounded by green hills. It is a small town inhabited by less than 200 people, a few kilometers from Bosa and Oristano. Its territory, extremely fertile, welcomes cherry trees, olive groves and vineyards that, together, give a very picturesque landscape. Obviously, the most famous production is the Malvasia di Bosa.
Anyone who loves sweet wines and in particular Malvasia, which is perfect at the end of a meal, for dessert, cannot miss a tour through the villages of the Malvasia di Bosa Wine Route: a unique experience, able to involve more and more at every step.
Copertina: unsplash
