MALMSEYS Meaning and
Definition
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Malmseys is a plural noun that refers to a type of sweet fortified wine. It denotes various styles of Madeira wine, which is produced on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Malmseys have a high sugar content due to fermentation being halted early, resulting in a sweet taste that can range from subtly sweet to lusciously syrupy.
Malmsey wine is made from white grapes, predominantly the malvasia grape variety, although other white grape varieties may also be used. These grapes are grown on the steep terraced vineyards of Madeira and are harvested and pressed to extract the juice, which is then fortified with a distilled grape brandy. The fortified wine undergoes a slow and oxidative aging process in casks or barrels, often lasting several years or even decades.
Malmseys are characterized by their rich amber or dark brown color, intense aromas of caramel, toffee, dried fruits, and nuts, and a full-bodied, velvety mouthfeel. They typically have a high alcohol content and balanced acidity, giving them a long and pronounced finish.
Malmseys were highly esteemed and popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in England and the American colonies. They were frequently enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif or used in cooking and baking, adding depth and sweetness to various dishes. Today, malmseys remain cherished by connoisseurs for their complexity and ageability, often being savored on special occasions or as a luxurious indulgence.
Common Misspellings for MALMSEYS
- nalmseys
- kalmseys
- jalmseys
- mzlmseys
- mslmseys
- mwlmseys
- mqlmseys
- makmseys
- mapmseys
- maomseys
- malnseys
- malkseys
- maljseys
- malmaeys
- malmzeys
- malmxeys
- malmdeys
- malmeeys
- malmweys
- malmswys
Etymology of MALMSEYS
The word "malmseys" is derived from the Middle English term "malvesie" or "malvesyn" which was used to refer to a type of sweet dessert wine. The Middle English term itself comes from the Old French word "malvoisie" or "malvesie", which was borrowed from the Medieval Latin term "malvasia".
The term "malvasia" in Medieval Latin was a variant of the Latin word "malvasius", which referred to the Malvasia grape variety originally grown on the Aegean island of Monemvasia in Greece. This grape variety was known for producing sweet wines that were highly valued in Medieval Europe. Over time, the term "malvasia" came to be used more broadly to refer to sweet wines made from various grape varieties.
