Last month in the United Kingdom, the Brentwood Wine Appreciation Society held a wine tasting for its 65 members, entitled ‘Sicily & Malta - a vinous view of two islands’. Here are the tasting notes of the six Maltese D.O.K. and I.G.T. quality wines they tasted:

2009 Pjazza Regina, Chardonnay/Girgentina/Vermentino/Viognier, IGT, Delicata Family, Malta.
12.5% £7.25. A full flavoured dry white with the Chardonnay and Girgentina powering over the more delicate characters of the Vermentino and Viognier, yet each variety makes a contribution to the style. Ideal for fish and pasta dishes.

2009 Medina Chardonnay/Girgentina, Delicata Family, DOK Malta. 12.5% £7.95.
A refined style of dry white, with ample fruit and structure unhindered by any use of oak to allow the wine to show its true colours. Ideal with simple shellfish dishes, freshwater fish, salmon, turbot or seabass.

2009 Medina Vermentino/Zibibbo, Delicata Family, DOK Malta. 12% £7.95.
The aromatics punch in with an immediate hint of richness due to the Zibibbo being related to the powerful Muscat d’Alexandre grape. However the fruit remains dry to the finish, allowing the style to match fish dishes or white meats, such as pork or veal.

2008 Pjazza Regina, Syrah/Merlot/Sangiovese, IGT, Delicata Family, Malta. 12% £7.25. A blend of three strong grape varieties, each contributing their portion of spice, pepper, red berry fruit and supple tannins. This is an entry level red for enjoying with stews, casseroles, tomato based pasta dishes and meaty risottos.

2008 Medina Sangiovese, IGT, Delicata Family, Malta. 12.5% £7.95.
The principle grape variety of Tuscany seems to have landed firmly on two feet in Malta and these young vines have produced a rustic wine which not a heavyweight, showing a medium, curranty style with a peppery edge. The ideal partner to dishes with herbs, tomatoes, risottos, and also cold meats such as carpaccio garnished with parmesan.

2008 Gran Cavalier Syrah, Delicata Family, DOK Malta. 12.7% £11.50.
The Syrah grape variety heralds the future of quality wine in Malta; the terroir and climate seems to suit the growing cycle, giving the wine depth in colour and structure. The signature of ripe pepper and spice remains evident, and the fruit is concentrated to allow for lengthy barrel maturation. Will benefit from 5 or 6 years but is eminently drinkable now.