Istrian wine is nowadays another unique symbol that truly defines the Istrian identity. There are various types of wines that reflect the diversity of climate and soil on which they are grown. Nevertheless, the most famous sort of Croatian wine is the Istrian Malvasia. Apart from Malvasia, in the area Northern Istria you can enjoy the great tastes of Teran, Muscat, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, a wine tour is also an adventure through the landscapes and pricturesque hills of Istria that you shouldn’t miss out on. When you travel the wine roads of the Umag-Novigrad region, you are setting out on an adventure through indigenous Istria, its landscapes and picturesque hills. While in search of wine cellars, you will come across secluded rural estates and a perfect blend of countryside life and modern trends. Each season adorns the vineyards with a new image; each harvest creates new champions.
Malvasia, the absolute queen of the Istrian wine cellars
Istrian Malvasia is a white wine containing between 11.5 and 13.5% alcohol. Connoisseurs describe it as a full, rounded and harmonious wine with a great fruity and floral aromatic potential. Its specific aroma is reminiscent of the smell of acacia flowers, while the dominating fruit flavours are usually those of apple, plum and apricot. The ripe wine has a hint of bitter almond.
A must destination in Istria for all lovers of Malvasia is the picturesque Brtonigla, the place of origin of the premium quality wines of this variety celebrated by the special Festival of Istrian Malvasia, where guests can taste the best wines of this Istrian variety in one place.
Istrian Malvasia began conquering the world shortly after the year 1990, when the production of this wine was increased in volume and quality. From that time on, numerous small wineries have appeared all over Istria, boasting ever more excellent Malvasia wines.
400-year-old tradition of Istrian Malvasia
In Istria and Croatia, as in all other Mediterranean countries and regions, winegrowing is in the blood of the local people, and the grape vineis one of the most typical farming cultures that has been thriving for centuries on this heart-shaped peninsula in the Adriatic Sea.
One of the most important descriptions of Istria as a wine region is that by Bishop Tommasini from Novigrad dating back to 1650. 15 Istrian grape varieties were mentioned there, among which the most important were Prosecco, Muscat, Rebula, Refosco, Teran, Hrvatica, Trebijan and Malvasia.
About the variety
Malvasia is the common name for a number of different or related varieties which have been cultivated by the inhabitants of the Mediterranean winegrowing areas since ancient times. Malvasia is grown even in Spain’s Canary Islands, Portuguese Azores, as well as in the continent of these countries. It is also produced in France, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, California and Greece. According to many, it is precisely from Greece that its name derives. In Croatia, however, there are two types of Malvasia – Istrian Malvasia and the Dubrovnik Malvasia.
Best Istrian wines paired with delicious Istrian cuisine
Wine and food have always been a good match: one without the other, just doesn’t feel right. For that reason we have selected Some of Istria’s best wines to be paired with some of the region’s most delicious specialities. All you have to do is come down to Istria and enjoy them – both.
White wines
Degrassi Malvazija Bomarchese – this fruity Malvasia with a dominant taste of green apples and tender white flower notes goes great together with sea shells, oysters with a drop of extra virgin olive oil, fish and white meats.
Degrassi Terre Bianche Cuvee Blanc – has a tropical fruit at the beginning that turns into ripe peach afterwards, soft and warm yet at the same time fresh and easy to drink, great paired with seashell buzara (typical dish for the coastal Croatia).
Coronica Malvazija – is one of the most popular Malvasias of Istria with a fruity bouquet and lots of minerality on the nose and the palate. Goes great together with roastbeaf.
Malvasia Sv. Jakov – by Giorigio Clai is truly a special wine – clean and intense, dominated by aromas of peaches and apricots, citrus and ripe pineapple and later on you will feel Mediterranean herbs, acacia and rosemary. Recommended with a squid zgvacet (squid stew, a simple fisherman’s dish yet full flavored).
Red wines
Coronica Gran Teran – is somewhat untypical wine with its smoothness you don’t often see with this Istrian variety. Blackberry and blueberry aromas round up the wine that is paired great with a beefsteak with grated black Istrian truffle on top.
Roxanich Superistrian – has a fantastic dark ruby red color: on the nose you will feel violets, ripe cherries, woody notes, tangerines and smoky taste of blueberries while the aftertaste reveals chocolate and strawberries. Recommended with veal scaloppini dish.
Muškat Momjanski – A star among Istrian wines
The most splendid wine brand
Muškat Momjanski (Momjan Muscat) is perhaps the most splendid wine brand of the Umag-Novigrad region. For centuries, this special variety of white muscat has provided a delicacy that guarantees an authentic experience for the palate of any wine lover.
It is appreciated beyond the boundaries of Istria as well. As far back as 1935, it won a gold medal at a wine review in Brussels, and it was a favourite at the courts of Emperor Franz Joseph in Vienna and King Emanuel III in Rome.
Native Istrian grape variety
Momjanski Muškat is a dry, sweet wine of a deep golden colour with an aroma reminiscent of wild carnations, roses and sage. Over the centuries, it has created its kingdom on the hills surrounding Momjan, a picturesque village near Buje.
Peasants from the Italian province of Furlania are believed to have brought the white muscat to Istria around the year 1200. Over time, the vine adapted to the local hills and the special features of the region’s climate and soils, ultimately transforming into a separate variety – Muškat Momjanski. Today it grows in a limited area stretching from the hills at Oskoruš to St. John at Merišić.
When ranking Istrian wines, many connoisseurs tend to single out Muškat Momjanski. It is the perfect wine to pair not only with desserts, but with any fine dish as well. It is also said to have an aphrodisiacal effect, particularly, where “chaste ladies” are concerned.
Muscat tasting is a true delight
The wine has a delicate aroma and a full taste that lingers in your mouth. To bring out all its pleasing and noble properties, serve chilled to about 12°C.
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