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6 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 OCTOBER 2025 An evening of appreciation for Maltese and Gozitan wines at the parliament building THE Malta Food Agency, in collabo- ration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, organised an evening of appreciation for Maltese wines on Monday, 29 September 2025, at the Parliament Building in Valletta. The event was intended to celebrate the excellence of local wines and to show ap- preciation towards the producers who, through their continuous dedication, are strengthening Malta's reputation in this sector. The evening brought together distin- guished guests, representatives from the wine industry, and stakeholders from the food, tourism, and cultural heritage sectors, as well as members of the Diplo- matic Corps. The strong attendance was a testament to the growing interest in Mal- tese wine and its potential as an integral part of the country's gastronomic and cultural identity. The Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Anġlu Farrugia, opened the wine exhibition in Malta's Parliament, describing wine as a prod- uct as old as civilisation, with origins 8,000 years ago in Georgia and Mesopo- tamia. He noted its role in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and highlighted Mal- ta's own history of vine cultivation since Phoenician and Roman times. He praised the resilience and creativi- ty of Malta's wine industry, which today reflects the islands' soil, climate, and cul- ture, while also reaching international markets. Speaker Farrugia said Parliament hosts such events to affirm its role as a home for culture and identity. He concluded that wine is not only agriculture or gas- tronomy, but also a reflection of humani- ty's long journey, shared in friendship and joy. The Chief Executive Officer of the Mal- ta Food Agency, Brian Vella, stated that this event was an opportunity to show our appreciation towards local wine produc- ers, who with passion and dedication are adding value to our agriculture and gas- tronomy. This activity further embraces our vision that the food sector, which also incorporates the wine sector, continues to be strengthened as an important eco- nomic pillar for our country, while also enhancing Malta's cultural identity and culinary experience. The Chief Business Development Of- ficer of the Malta Food Agency, Justin John Camilleri, highlighted the impor- tance of collaboration and unity. While expressing a sense of pride that the Mal- ta Food Agency has reached this stage, he maintained that where there is unity, there is strength. He emphasised that strong belief in this sector led to it being given the importance it deserves, with an event held in the building of the country's highest institution, in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker. He went on to explain how the agency joined forces with the Malta Tourism Authority and Heritage Malta to create a common and unique commitment: that of placing food at the top of the national priorities, since food is an essential part of tourism, cul- ture, history, and the people's wellbeing. He added that this is only the beginning, and that these partnerships will continue to be strengthened and expanded so that food and local producers are given the recognition they truly deserve. This initiative demonstrated how Mal- tese wine is increasingly becoming an integral part of Malta's cultural and gas- tronomic identity. The evening also pro- vided an opportunity to strengthen rela- tions between national institutions and wine producers, while highlighting the potential of this sector as a positive force for the local economy and tourism. The Participating wineries were: Emma- nuel Delikata Winemaker, Markus Divi- nus, Marsovin, Meridiana Wine Estate, San Niklaw Estate, Ta' Betta Wine Estates and Tal-Massar Winery. Marsovin releases Grand Maître 2023 MARSOVIN Winery proudly announc- es the release of Grand Maître 2023, 'Fra' Francisco Ximenes de Texada'. This vin- tage marks the 26th edition of the much- loved flagship wine, produced with ex- pertise, finesse and dedica-tion since its first vintage in 1998. Produced under the exclusive appoint- ment of the Maltese Association Sov- ereign Military Order of Malta, Grand Maître is an exceptional wine that pays homage to a different Grand Master in chronological order. The 2023 vintage honours the esteemed Fra' Francisco Ximenes de Texada. Grand Maître is a true testament to Marsovin's commitment to excellence. The handpicked Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes originate from Għajn Riħana, Marsovin's private estate located in the breathtaking Għajn Riħana Valley. The terroir provides the perfect environment for the growth of these noble French grape va-rieties, with 8,000 vines thriving in arid land and clay- rich calcareous soil. The 2023 vintage was impacted by ex- treme weather, including a mild winter, a cold February with heavy rain, and intense heat from mid-June, peaking in a July heat wave. These conditions de- layed budburst, fostering vigorous vege- tation that helped the vines endure heat. The protective foliage and heat con- tributed to slow maturation, yielding smaller, raisined grapes with high sugar levels and a concentrated polyphenolic profile. Deep ruby in colour, showcas- ing concentrated aromas of blackberry, black plum and black cherry. This is bal- anced by elements of clove, cedar and sweet spice from oak ageing. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with well-inte- grated tannins, ending on notes of choc- olate and blackcurrant. For information and orders of Grand Maître, you can call the Marsovin Cel- lars on +356 79231919 or send an email to cellars@marsovinwinery.com