It is known that Malaga and wine have always walked hand in hand. In this post we are going to talk about malaga wines, its history and the best wineries on the Costa del Sol.
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Wine history in Malaga
Wine has been produced in the Malaga region of Spain for over 2,000 years. The ancient Phoenicians, are credited with introducing grapevines to the area. The Romans, in the 2nd century BCE, further developed the wine industry and established the city as a major wine-producing region.
During the Middle Ages, Malaga’s wine industry experienced a period of decline due to the Moorish invasion. However, the industry regained its footing in the 16th and 17th centuries, thanks in part to the export trade with the New World. In the 19th century, Malaga’s wine industry underwent a modernization process. In this time the region’s wines gained a reputation for their high quality.
Today, Malaga is home to a number of wineries that produce a wide range of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. The region is known for its sweet, fortified wines made from Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez grapes, as well as its dry red wines made from the Tempranillo grape. Malaga’s wines are enjoyed both locally and internationally and are an important part of the region’s culture and economy.
Types of wine in Malaga
The region is known for its sweet, fortified wines made from Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez grapes, which are grown in the Malaga Mountains. One of Malaga’s best known sweet wines is Moscatel, which is produced from Moscatel de Alejandría grapes.
This grape is left to ripen until it is very sweet and then fermented to produce a sweet and aromatic wine. For these wines, grapes are sun-dried before being pressed to extract their juice, which is then fermented and aged in oak barrels. The resulting wines are amber in color and have a rich, sweet flavor.
Malaga is also home to a number of dry red wines made from the Tempranillo grape, which are grown in the region’s vineyards. These wines are medium to full-bodied and have flavors of cherries, plums, and spices.
In addition to its red and sweet wines, Malaga is known for its white wines made from the Verdejo, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. These wines are light and crisp, with flavors of citrus and green apples.
Malaga’s wines are enjoyed both locally and internationally and are an important part of the region’s culture and economy. They are often paired with traditional dishes such as paella and tapas.
Best wineries in malaga
You know that Málaga is a Spanish city known for its sweet wines and historic winery, and there are many fantastic options for wine lovers to choose from. Here are some of the best wineries in Málaga that we would recommend:
Bodega El Rincón del Rey
This winery is located in the center of Málaga and offers a wide range of wines from the region. They offer tastings and guided tours, as well as a terrace with views of the garden.
Bodega El Pimpi
El Pimpi, which we talked about in our post about the best typical restaurants in Malaga, is one of the most famous bodegas in the city. This winery is known for its traditional Málaga tapas and wines. El Pimpi is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike, and has several locations throughout the city.
Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia
Founded in 1835, this is one of the oldest wineries in Málaga. They offer tastings and guided tours, and have a wide selection of wines from the region.
Bodega Esencia del Terruño
This winery is located in the Axarquía region to the east of Málaga, and is known for its organic, sulfite-free wines. They offer guided tours and wine tastings accompanied by local appetizers.
Bodega Góngora
This winery is located in the town of Málaga de Casares, about a 45-minute drive west of Málaga. They offer guided tours and wine tastings, and have a terrace with panoramic views.
Conclusions
I hope this list has been helpful and that you have the opportunity to visit some of these amazing wineries in Málaga. And remember, whenever you drink, don’t drive. You can always order a taxi in Malaga to take you to all these wineries. Salud!