malmsey

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a rich sweet fortified wine, especially a Madeira made from the Malvasia grape

   The merchant served a small glass of aged malmsey after dinner.

From Middle English malmesye through French and Italian forms ultimately naming Monemvasia, a Greek port associated with the wine trade. The name later became attached to sweet Malvasia wines, especially Madeira's richest style.

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