On 20 June, with the idyllic view of St Paul’s Islands, Marsovin officially inaugurated the Cheval Franc Estate.

Members of the press were given a guided tour around the Cheval Franc Estate by Marsovin Group chairman Tony Cassar, who explained how and why Wardija had been chosen to grow this variety of grape and the extensive and meticulous work entailed to produce this intense, premium wine – Cheval Franc.

They were joined by distinguished guests who were treated to a pre-tasting of Cheval Franc 2004.

Cheval Franc is a privately-owned estate wine, which is made entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes grown in Marsovin’s extensive vineyards on the hills of Wardija that overlook St Paul’s Bay.

It is the only Maltese wine that is made predominantly from the Cabernet Franc grape variety with a touch of Syrah, and it is due to passion, dedication and quality control that Marsovin have managed to achieve such a high-quality wine.

Marsovin’s second largest estate, the Cheval Franc estate is spread over six hectares and was specifically chosen for its proximity to the sea and its cool evening breezes.

The estate yields grapes of excellent quality which result in an aroma that is more intense than usual.

The Cheval Franc is medium bodied with peppery and herbaceous aromas – typical characteristics of the Cabernet Franc grape variety.

The name itself is truly a family symbol, immersed in years of tradition. “Franc” denotes the grape variety, while “Cheval” evokes the love for horses of Marsovin’s late chairman, Joseph Cassar. The wine’s distinct bottle is another of its marked characteristics.

“Cheval Franc is dedicated to my father, who was the prime instigator behind the development of this estate. I started with a small piece of land which he owned and year after year we increased the property and production.

“My father had dedicated the last few years of his life to his other passion, horses, and that inspired me to give our thoroughbred the name of Cheval Franc”, said Mr Cassar.

Over the years, Cheval Franc has increased in popularity, not just in Malta but also in export markets.

Marsovin has put a considerable amount of effort into developing an efficient export distribution network in Europe. Now Cheval Franc has found its niche in Germany, Holland, France, Norway and Sweden, among others.

Cheval Franc forms part of a family of premium wines which are produced from grapes grown on privately owned estates. Today Marsovin owns 175 tumoli of land which make up their five estates.

These are specifically intended for the production of these premium quality, single-estate, wines and they are testimony to Marsovin’s commitment to the culture of wine.