The review of the grapevine in Malta

Abstract

In Malta during the last decade, the cultivation of grape vines has undergone considerable developments. This plant is one of the oldest fruit trees and was used for the production of wine. In the past, grapes where grown mainly as second class agriculture. Presently vines are grown very professionally mainly for the production of quality wines DOK and IGT. One may note that by time the method of cultivation of vines has changed very drastically. This can be seen from the type of cultivation, the varieties grown, the type of propagation as well as the cultivation during the year. In the past Malta had a large list of vine varieties that used to be grown locally but unfortunately these got lost. Lately DOK and IGT wines started to be produced and with them a series of legislations has been set up so that grapes produced would be of a better quality with the best sugar levels. This dissertation outlines the review of the grapevine from the past and carries techniques that were carried out in the past as well as varieties that used to be cultivated.