Did you know that…?
The first references to Málaga wine go back to the VIII century B.C., with the arrival of Phoenicians at the city shores, who did not only introduce wines coming from Eastern Mediterranean but also grew vines and produced wines in association with natives.
The Mythical City of Mainake. According to Guillen Robles’ Historia de Málaga y su provincia (History of Malaga and the province) "…the Greeks settled in Málaga and taught local people how to prune vines...," when the mythical city of Mainake was founded.
Acinipo Land of Wines. In the Roman ruins of Acinipo, Ronda, numerous antique coins have been found with illustrations of grape bunches, by means of which the importance of vine-growing production in this territory has been understood.
Vinum malacita. There exist many traces by which the economic and social importance of wine, during the times of the Romans, has been understood. An interesting testimony dating back to the Early Roman Empire, consists in a fermentation tank discovered in Cártama, around 30 kilometres from the capital.
In Málaga-Al-Andalus lands vines continued to be grown, producing wine and raisins; as well as the wine, named xarab al-malaquí, continued to be consumed. It became very popular and it was sung by the most prestigious poets. The growing of the raisin still continues nowadays, following the most genuine tradition and protected by the D.O. Pasas de Málaga.
The Cardinal of Wines. In 1224, the King of France, Philip Augustus, organised the “Battle of the Wines”. The most prestigious wines took part in what was possibly the first wine-tasting contest in history. Málaga participated in this contest and its wine was distinguished as the Cardinal of Wines.
The Lords of the Vineyards. At Christian era, 12 January 1502, upon request of wine growers or Lords of Málaga Vineyards, the Catholic Kings proclaimed a Royal Decree "…prohibiting other wines from entering the city of Málaga…” by which they used their prerogatives, building the first regulations for Málaga wines. Some months later, 30 November, another Royal Decree was issued, ratifying the former. A licence was given to neighbours of Málaga in order to give them lands and to cultivate vineyards. Joanna of Castile ratified, in 1513, the wine growers’ rights, like Philip III did in 1608.
The Wine Grower’s brotherhood. In the time of Philip III, the Wine Grower’s Brotherhood was created. This brotherhood still exists today, in its guild sense in the Regulating Board and in its religious sense, in the very illustrious and venerable brotherhood dedicated to the images of Our Father (Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno) and Our Lady (Ntra. Señora del Traspaso y Soledad de Viñeros) and Saint Lorenzo Martyr.
The wine of the Tsars. In 1791 Mr. Gálvez, Spanish ambassador in Moscow, gave Catherine II, Tsarina and Empress of Russia, some crates of Málaga wine, and so great was her pleasure that she exempted from taxes all Málaga wines imported to her Empire from the Wine Grower’s Brotherhood.
Málaga Wine House and Trading Company. In 1806, Málaga Wine House and Trading Company was created by Royal Decree " …to prevent any possible adulteration of the Company’s produce, all containers, boxes and sacks that contain such produce will bear complex marks, difficult to falsify…”
Regulations of Málaga Wine Exporting Producers’ Guild Association. On 1 July 1900 the Regulations of Málaga Wine Exporting Producers’ Guild Association appeared to watch over the general interests of wine trade, issuing certificates, naming referees and appraisers and, guaranteeing by way of a seal of origin, the legitimacy of the wines exported.
“Málaga”, the brand. On 5 February 1924, Málaga Wine Exporting Producers’ Guild Association made a brand registration request for Málaga wines. This was published in the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property, dated 16 March 1924.
The Regulating Board of the D.O. Málaga. Upon the request of the Winemaker and Wine-producers’ guilds, the right to a Regulating Board was granted on 8 September 1933. The first Regulations were approved in the Madrid Gazette on 3 May 1935.
The Designations of Origin “Málaga" and “Sierras de Málaga”. On 9 January 2001 the fourth Regulation was published in the Official Andalusian Gazette, where “Sierras de Málaga” Designation of Origin was also recognized. The name of the board became The Regulating Board for "Málaga" and "Sierras de Málaga" Designations of Origin.
The Designation of Origin “Pasas de Málaga” (Málaga Raisins). In 2004, the Regulating Board of the Designation of Origin "Pasas de Málagaa" was merged with the Regulating Board of the Designations of Origin "Málaga" and "Sierras de Málaga". The name of the current board being the Regulating Board of the Designations of Origin "Málaga", "Sierras de Málaga" y “Pasas de Málaga”.
Regulating Board of the Designations of Origin “Málaga”,