These are the wines of the Istrian table, expressing the lightness of being Istria in all its simplicity: light to partner the balanced Istrian diet; light in alcohol for everyday enjoyment; light in spirit to reflect the pleasures of Istrian life. These are serious quality wines – made from select locations and grapes, with care, sophistication and the latest vinicultural advances – but their aim is to give pleasure, the Istrian way, with lightness.
On the fertile peninsula where the wine-growing tradition is older than memory, the finest red wines are made from grapes thriving in red soil. May this light, drinkable and versatile wine pour into your glass from our red soil, the soul of the Istrian wine-making tradition. The three harmoniously blended grape varieties demonstrate all the power and tenderness of the ...
This is the wine that truly defines the lightness of being Istria. Here, where Alpine and Mediterranean climates meet in harmony, is the home of the Malvasia Istriana grape variety, though it is also found across the Italian border. There are many types (or clones) of this variety grown, particularly around the Mediterranean, but here, on this most northerly Adriatic ...
The French call it Pinot Gris and the Croatians Pinot Sivi but it is popular across the world as Pinot Grigio, perhaps too popular for its own good: the higher its production, the more you find flat, characterless wine without the freshness and lingering finish that should set Pinot Grigio apart. Here in Istria’s golden summer of 2011, the grapes ...
Often unfairly overshadowed by its better known cousin Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco steps out into the light in cooler vineyards, like Alsace in northern France or Friuli in northern Italy – or now, expressively, across the border in the northerly Adriatic peninsula of Istria. In protected positions and cooled by sea breezes, Pinot Bianco perfectly captures the lightness of being ...
If you have ever found yourself muttering “anything but chardonnay”, expecting another over-weight, over-oaked specimen, think again. Here on this northerly Adriatic peninsula, where Alpine and Mediterranean climates meet in harmony, Vina Laguna suggests chardonnay can be cool again: cool climate, cool fermentation, and not a trace of oak. A great summer meant ripe grapes and full fruit flavours but ...
On the prized slopes of Visinada, looking across to the iconic Istrian hill town of Motovun, vines enjoy white soil cooled by swirling breezes – an ideal micro-climate for aromatic white wines. In this magical place, the muscat grape produces sweet and semi-sweet wines unlike anything its siblings from the broiling vineyards of southern France or central Italy. Never sticky ...
On the prized slopes of Visinada, looking across to the iconic Istrian hill town of Motovun, vines thrive in white soil cooled by swirling breezes – an ideal micro-climate for aromatic wines. In this magical place, the muscat grape produces sweet and semi-sweet wines unlike anything its siblings from the broiling vineyards of southern France or central Italy. Never sticky ...
Every summer the world falls in love with rosé, at least partly because of its charming colour. Now we are being told, especially in Provence, that rosé should be pale to be interesting, that this suggests a fresher summer wine. In Istria, we beg to differ. Here where Alpine and Mediterranean climates meet in perfect harmony, our sunshine ripens the ...
If you find classic claret too dry and New World cabernets too big and broody, here is a fresh alternative, with all the black fruit you could want but without the headaches. Here on this northerly Adriatic peninsula, where Alpine and Mediterranean climates meet in harmony, cabernet sauvignon grapes ripen beautifully without producing excessive alcohol. Try it with simpled grilled ...
In vineyards close to Istria’s west, the Merlot grape thrives like nowhere else. Closer to coastal breezes than most New World Merlots, fruit is to the fore, not alcohol. With fresh Spring showers and soil well drained, the wine is fresher than in Bordeaux. Even in 2010, a year of mixed weather, Istrian vines produced ruby-red wine, soft, full and ...
This is the indigenous red wine of Istria, something of a secret, revealed to those who explore this mystical land. It was the wine of ordinary folk – there is a soup based on Teran that sustained the vineyard worker – but now it has been discovered by wine explorers, especially journalists, who welcome its crunchy mouth-feel, its fruit and ...