Looking for exciting new wines and special flavours? Put Istria on your list. This north-western corner of Croatia has a long winemaking tradition and plenty of unique wine stories to tell. Malvazija Istriana, the most important and widely planted white grape variety, has made leaps and bounds in quality over recent years. These grapes are capable of producing wines in versatile styles, from sparkling to sweet, although typical Malvazija is a dry, well-rounded wine with fresh and fruity aromas. Long known as a white wine region, Istria has made remarkable progress in the red wine arena, with Teran as the showcase. Here’s a dive into the world of Istria’s diverse and characterful wines. Cheers!
Fakin Malvazija
You won’t go wrong if you choose this wine as your first encounter with the variety. Year after year, this is an excellent example of fresh and fruity Malvazija with a typical variety aroma of green apple and stone fruits. It’s a very food-friendly wine that pairs well with white fish, other types of seafood, as well as with white-truffle dishes.
Palčić Malvazija
Making different wines doesn’t always mean success but Leonardo Palčić no doubt succeeded in producing his Malvazija in a different style. The more robust body, lower acidity and more profound aromas represent a unique expression of terroir.
Piquentum Blanc
A star is born. That’s what happened when Dimitri, a young French-born winemaker with Croatian roots, returned to his father’s land to make natural, opulent and juicy wines using only native yeast. This Malvazija represents the true expression of his philosophy.
Kozlović Santa Lucia white
Franco Kozlović and his family are one of the pioneers of modern winemaking in Istria. All their wines deserve respect but Santa Lucia stands out as a serious single-vineyard Malvazija aged in large oak barrels. This wine has a very strong identity, built around a very fine structure and elegance.
Kabola Malvazija Unica
This wine is produced only in exceptional years from organically grown grapes. A macerated full-bodied wine aged in oak barrels, it offers a unique interpretation of the variety. Its great harmony between delicacy and body provides a delightful experience in the glass.
Coronica Gran Teran
Gran Teran is not only the star among Istrian wines, it’s also one of the top Croatian reds. Not a shy wine by any means, it’s a deliciously well-tamed expression of the variety. Grab two bottles and keep one in the cellar for a special occasion.
Benvenuti Teran
The Benvenuti brothers make one of the best Terans in Istria. This is a bold savoury wine with a deliciously spiced palate. Fine tannins are pleasingly enclosed in a full rounded body. Each vintage truly reflects the finest expression of Teran.
Clai Ottocento red
This red blend of organically grown Merlot and Refosk sends a message for a true wine lover: always keep the door to unexpected beauty. It showcases a big ripe bouquet of black fruit with fine firm tannins. This wine full of personality makes you want to taste any wine Giorgio Clai makes.
Roxanich Merlot
This rich, dense Merlot with a sturdy structure needs time to shine in the glass. Made using native yeast and barrel-aged for an extended period, it bursts with ripe red-fruit aromas, dark cherry and a distinctive cedar character. Superbly expressive and full of energy and freshness, it will surprise you with its unique character.
Meneghetti red
Craving a serious elegant Bordeaux blend with a strong and silky texture worth ageing? That’s what this wine is: one of the best expressions of how the international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc have found their cosy place in the Istrian climate.
This article is sponsored by the Istrian Tourism Board.
