Wines Malta Marsovin - Antonin - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The Marsovin Cuvée Antonin 2022 is a red wine from the Malta DOK appellation, produced on the Island of Malta by the renowned Marsovin winery. Although labelled as a cuvée, the precise blend often combines noble international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, resulting in a wine with depth, complexity, and a Mediterranean character. Aged thoughtfully, this vintage typically boasts ripe berry notes, hints of dark cherry, and subtle undertones of Mediterranean herbs and spice, with a smooth tannic structure that makes it both accessible and refined. The 2022 vintage, benefiting from Malta’s long sunny season, likely displays youthful vibrancy alongside well-integrated oak influences from partial barrel ageing.

Malta’s wine-growing history stretches back over two millennia, influenced by Phoenician traders, the Knights of St. John, and more recently, an embrace of modern oenological techniques. The Island of Malta possesses a sunny, marine-influenced climate, with mild winters and dry, hot summers cooled by sea breezes from the Mediterranean. The limestone-rich soils promote good drainage and impart a certain mineral salinity to the wines, which, when combined with low rainfall and abundant sunshine, favours the cultivation of flavourful, concentrated grapes. The Malta DOK designation certifies stringent rules around yields and quality, ensuring that wines like Cuvée Antonin highlight the terroir’s unique character.

This wine’s structure and aromatic profile make it a versatile companion at the table. Maltese cuisine, rooted in both Mediterranean and North African influences, pairs beautifully with the wine’s spicy elegance and berry fruit. Traditional dishes such as fenek (rabbit stew) or beef bragioli (stuffed beef olives) accentuate its complexity, while baked pasta dishes, grilled lamb, or even charcuterie and mature local cheeses like gbejna complement its supple body and slight herbal notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Marsovin Cuvée Antonin 2022 at 16-18°C. Decanting for half an hour will help the wine blossom, revealing its full aromatic palette and softening the tannins for a well-rounded tasting experience.