Malvasia is actually a family of grapes, including Malvasia Istriana from Friuli in the North East of Italy and Malvasia di Lazio from the hills around Rome. Malvasia wines are characterized by their relatively full, fleshy body and soft texture in the mouth. Common notes associated with Malvasia include fairly intense floral, sometimes perfumed, aromas, peaches, apricots and white currants.