2020Joint Issue Malta – Slovakia ‘Viticulture’ - First Day Cover

The philatelic issue, themed "Viticulture", consists of two stamps. The Malta stamp features a vineyard located in the limits of SiMalta while the Slovak stamp portrays a vineyard in the Skalica region renowned for production of the Skalicky rubin wine.

Malta
The history of wine-making stretches over several millennia dating back to over 7,000 years BC. Local wine production dates back over 2,000 years, during the time of the Phoenicians who were actively involved in transporting wine together with grapes and winemaking technology throughout the Mediterranean.
Malta's climate is favourable to wine production, and Malta has several strains of grape used in the production of wine. The ¿a (red) and Girgentina (white) are indigenous to Malta.
The Malta stamp features Ta' Betta Wine Estate, a boutique winery situated in Girgenti, limits of SiSyrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay are the main grape varieties that are specifically grown in this estate, producing a portfolio of three wines.

Slovakia
The Slovak stamp features a bottle of Skalicky rubin 2019 from the Slovak National Collection of Wines produced by Tureèek Winery in the foreground and a vineyard in Vintoperk Hill in the background.
The historical name Skalicky rubin, comes from the geographical area, the Skalica region and Rubin, which refers to the colour of the wine (ruby). In 2017 the wine became recognised and protected by EU law as product exclusive to this specific geographical area.
This wine is produced by the fermentation of grapes of the Blaufrankisch, St. Laurent and Blauer Portugieser varieties.The grapes to produce this wine are grown precisely in the defined area of the Skalica region. This wine is characterised by its colour and its full flavour which contains a high amount of tannin and antioxidants.