The management of the two main Maltese indigenous grape varieties for winemaking – Girgentina and Ġellewża – was the subject of a study carried out by Jonathan Falzon as part of a Master of Science degree in sustainable environmental resources management.

These two varieties are not found in any other country and, unlike many other international varieties, they have not been subject to much scientific research.

Ġellewża vines yield large bunches of red grapes that are usually used to produce rosé wines but can also produce red wines, while Girgentina vines yield white grapes.

About 25 per cent of all vines in Malta are Girgentina and 13 per cent are Ġellewża. The average yield for Ġellewża is higher than the average yield for Girgentina. These varieties are grown in small parcels of land with an average size of just over 1,000 square metres.

In his dissertation, Mr Falzon also made recommendations to help improve the current management practices of these vines.

Mr Falzon followed a dual Master of Science degree offered by the University of Malta at the Valletta Campus in collaboration with James Madison University (Virginia, US).

His course was funded by the Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarship (Malta). This scholarship is part-financed by the European Union – Educational Social Fund under Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007 – 2013, ‘Empowering people for more jobs and a better quality of life’.

“This scholarship allowed for much needed research on the sustainable management of environ-mental resources. Hopefully, more funds will be available in the coming years to allow for the implementation of sustainable practices in this regard,” Mr Falzon said.