When researching Alberico Boncompagni Ludovisi and his superlative white wines, Fiorano, I found it a bit ironic that there was a touch of Alice in Wonderland to the history.

First and foremost, Malvasia emanates from Greece and possibly Turkey as well.  And although commonly found in blended white wines from Northern Italy; Malvasia Bianco would not typically be regarded in such sterling company with some of the of the finest white wines in the world.  Yet, Fiorano is the prize of many cellar and when one can obtain such a bottle, she is coveted like a winning lottery ticket.

Alberico Boncompagni Ludovisi planted Malvasia with a variety of red grapes around his Roman estate.