Malvasia Nera di Lecce is a red-berried Malvasia from the Puglia region of Italy whose quality potential pales next to Malvasia Nera di Brindisi (also from Puglia). See the amorphous Malvasia group of grape varieties.

At times, in Tuscany vines of dark skinned varieties called Malvasia Nera are often actually Tempranillo.

Wines: Salice Salentino DOC (Puglia). | Alezio DOC (Puglia). | Copertino DOC (Puglia). | Leverano DOC (Puglia). | Lizzano DOC (Puglia).

Viticulture: Much later ripening than Malvasia Nera di Brindisi.

Wine style: Malvasia Nera di Lecce is not known for its quality and varietal bottlings are almost unheard of. Due to its unstable anthocyanins, the colour of the wine tends to be pale and oxidize over time. Malvasia Nera di Lecce is only found in blends and its classic blending partner is Negroamaro. Most examples are dry and still.

Bibliography

Italian Wine Unplugged (Positive Press, 2017), p.58.