Meridiana has its roots in 1985 as a result of a conversation between Mark Miceli-Farrugia, a trader in wines for over 20 years, and a Bordeaux oenologist. The latter persuaded Mark that there was potential for high-quality wine growing in Malta. As a consequence, Meridiana Wine Estate was established in April 1987. The company's pioneering mission is to produce "World-Class Wines of Maltese Character" - internationally acclaimed wines made from wine-grapes grown exclusively in Maltese soil.
In 1987, experimentation with various grape varieties, clones and rootstocks was initiated on a small agricultural plot in Siggiewi. Meanwhile, after extensive research, a 19-hectare (47-acre) agricultural site was identified at Ta'Qali, Malta's agricultural heartland. The Estate lies scenically below the ancient, walled-city of Mdina.
A financial and technological partnership agreement with Marchese Piero Antinori helped overcome local financial institutions' reservations to this novel initiative. Marchese Antinori descends from the oldest established vintning family in the world and brings a wealth of experience acquired in Tuscany and the New World.
The name Meridiana and the Estate's sundial insignia have been inspired by Malta's Southern European location.
Fenici
White – Also available in 37.5cl
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Vermentino, Chardonnay, & Viognier
Tasting Notes: Fenici White is crafted from a delightful blend of Chardonnay, Vermentino & Viognier grapes. The resulting light wine is characterized by fresh, exotic fruit flavors, enhanced by a hint of white flowers. The name Fenici pays tribute to the Phoenicians who, during the first millennium BC, spread winemaking culture throughout the Mediterranean and endowed Malta with its distinctive Semitic language.
Isis
White – Also available in 37.5cl
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, Isis has characteristically fresh, tropical fruit flavours with distinctive citrus notes. Maltese terroir endows Isis with its enduring mineral finish. The name Isis recall the Phoenician goddess of sailors whose vigilant eye still graces the prow of the Maltese fishing boats.
Astarte
White – Also available in 37.5cl
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Vermentino
Tasting Notes: Astarte is produced from Vermentino grapes. The resulting wine, characterised by fresh, citrus and apricot like flavours, is underlined by delicate varietal aromas. The name Astarte recalls the Phoenician goddess of fertility , worshipped in Malta during the Punic period.
Fenici
Rosé
Also available in 37.5cl
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah
Tasting Notes : Fenici Rose is produced from a selected blend of early picked red varietals. The resulting light wine is charmingly fresh and delicately fruity, with red berry flavours. The name Fenici pays tribute to the Phoenicians who, during the first millenium BC, spread winemaking culture throughout the Mediterrenean and endowed European Malta with its distinctive Semitic language.
Fenici
Red - Also available in 37.5cl
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Merlot & Syrah
Tasting Notes: Fenici Red is crafted from a tasteful blend of Syrah & Merlot grapes. The resulting wine has fresh,soft, cherry-plum and peppery spice flavours, enhanced by light oak nuances.The name Fenici pays tribute to the Phoenicians who, during the first millenium BC, spread winemaking culture throughout the Mediterrenean and endowed European Malta with its distinctive Semitic language.
Melqart
Red - Also available in 37.5cl and 1.5ltr
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
Tasting Notes: Melqart is made from an artful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot grapes. The resulting wine is characterised by ripe berry flavours and an intense, fruity aftertaste. Barrel ageing has mellowed the wine and endowed it with a pleasently spicy note. The name Melqart recalls the Phoenician god of sailors, worshipped in Malta during the Punic period.
Bel
Red - Also available in 37.5cl
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Syrah
Tasting Notes: Bel is made from the finest Syrah grapes. The resulting wine is silky, and it's prune, blueberry and peppery spice flavours are enhanced by careful agening in barrique.
The name Bel recalls the Phoenician god of fertility, worshipped under various names throughout the Punic world.
Nexus
Red - Also available in 37.5cl
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Merlot
Tasting Notes: Nexus is made esclusively from estate grown Merlot grapes. The wine's soft soft, ripe cherry-plum flavours are complemented by a full, intense aftertaste. Barrel ageing has mellowed the wine and endowed it with a delicately toasted note. The name Nexus celebrates the marriage between between Malta's Old World geographical location and Meridiana's New World vinicultural technology.
Celsius
Red
Malta DOK
Grape Variety: Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Celsius is made exclusively from a selction of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The resulting wine is harmoniously full bodied, while it's chocolate and dark berry flavours are complemented by a full, intense aftertaste. Barrel ageing has mellowed the wine and endowed it with an elegantly toasted note. The name Celsius highlights the central role played by and importance of temperature control in Meridiana's winemaking philosophy.
Baltis
Malta IGT
Grape Variety:Moscato
Tasting Notes: Made excusively from raisined Moscato grapes, the golden yellow Baltis has a bouquet of dried figs, sultana raisins, dates, hints of citrus and slightly toasted honey notes. The wine's luscious palate is exalted by its fresh, crisp finish.
Recommended Food Match: It is best be served chilled with cheese, with dessert, or as delicous after-meal treat.