MALTA'S AGRICULTURAL HEARTLAND
Established in 1987 and officially opening its doors in 1997, Meridiana Wine Estate is situated in Ta’ Qali, Malta’s agricultural heartland, beneath the walls of the ancient city of Mdina
Meridiana pioneered the production of premium wines, crafted following high-quality production standards and using exclusively locally grown, internationally renowned wine-grape varieties.
After lengthy experimentation, Meridiana acquired a 19-hectare site, previously serving as a Second World War military airfield. After meticulous preparation, the estate was planted, in 1994 and 1995, with Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with one aim, that of producing premium quality wines with locally grown international grape varieties.
Meridiana also cultivates Vermentino grapes on a separate vineyard, which is in closer proximity to the sea. In 2013, a thousand Moscato vines were added at the Ta Qali estate to be used for the production of a dessert wine. In addition to the estate grown grapes, which are used for its premium range, Meridiana also purchases grapes from carefully selected local viticulturists to produce its fast growing Fenici range, a casual yet elegant range of three tasty blends.
Meridiana now produces approximately 140,000 bottles of premium wine per year. These include the very popular Isis (Chardonnay), probably the island’s best known quality wine, Melqart (Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot), Nexus (Merlot), Bel (Syrah), Astarte (Vermentino), Celsius Reserve (Cabernet Sauvignon) and Baltis (a Passito, a dessert wine made from Moscato grapes) and the Fenici range, which is composed of a White (a blend of Chardonnay, Vermentino & Viognier), a Rose`(Cabernet Sauvignon and other international red grape varieties) and a Red (a blend of Merlot, Cabernet & Syrah).
All of the 10 labels produced by Meridiana have DOK classification, the highest quality of local wines.
Almost all of the produce is sold locally, with a very small amount going to select niche markets such as Japan, Switzerland and Belgium, and to a few private clients in Europe, the US, Australia and Asia.
Local distribution is handled by S Rausi Trading of Stadium Street, Gzira, who may be contacted on info@srausi.com
Meridiana Wine Estate is also open for winery show arounds and wine tastings. More information may be obtained on www.meridiana.com.mt or by sending an email to events@meridiana.com.mt
