Marsovin’s Cuvée Grand Maître 2016 is a red wine of notable distinction originating from Malta's premier Malta DOK appellation. This vintage is crafted from a carefully selected blend, often featuring noble grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which are chosen for their ability to thrive in Malta’s Mediterranean climate and unique limestone-rich soils. The 2016 vintage benefited from a warm, sun-drenched growing season, allowing optimal ripening and concentration of the fruit. Marsovin utilises meticulous vinification techniques, with fermentation carried out in temperature-controlled conditions and a significant portion of the wine matured in French oak barriques. This process imparts nuanced notes of spice and subtle vanilla, complementing the wine’s core of ripe blackcurrant, dark cherry, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs.
The Maltese Islands, and especially the main island of Malta, boast one of the oldest wine-making histories in the world, influenced by centuries of Phoenician, Roman, and British rule. The island’s DOK (Denominazzjoni ta’ Origini Kontrollata) guarantees quality and origin. The local terroir—characterised by calcareous soils and proximity to the sea—imparts a mineral lift and gentle salinity to the wines, while the warm, dry climate ensures a consistent ripeness, soft tannins, and expressive aromatics.
With its full-bodied structure and layered complexity, Marsovin’s Cuvée Grand Maître 2016 is a versatile partner at the table. It pairs particularly well with robust Mediterranean dishes such as rabbit stew (fenek), slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, or rich tomato-based ragù with capers and olives. Hard, aged cheeses from the region, like gbejna, will also complement its depth.
For optimum enjoyment, decant the wine for at least one hour before serving to allow the bouquet to fully unfold. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, which will best showcase its intricate interplay of fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. This elegant Maltese red will reward further cellaring but is already drinking beautifully with proper aeration.
