Thursday, July 21, 2011

Istrian wine / Wine in Istria, Croatia

Istrian wine is a poetry of taste and fragrance. It is an inseparable part of the Istrian man, his passion and love, his deepest intimacy and most open pride, a lavish gift from the rocky land and abundant sunshine.

The history of wine and of the local people is an inseparable story which has lasted over 2000 years, since the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius brought vines to the warm Istrian soil.

From the golden Malvasia (IQ) to the ruby Teran, from young light wines coloured by the autumn to the full and elegant flavours of ripe barriques, Istrian wines offer a multi-layered story that has just started to bediscovered.

IQ - The "Istrian Quality" designation referring to the wine Istrian Malvasia is primarily intended for labelling high-quality wines made from Istrian Malvasia grapes, and for promoting further development of the production of this autochthonous wine, increasing the quality of the wine and production technology and promoting and selling the Istrian Malvasia nationally and worldwide. The designation "IQ" enables the consumer to recognize the Istrian Malvasia wines whose quality is superior to the quality required by the law covering wines with protected geographical origin, and higher than those usually required and expected by the customer.

Malvasia
Malvasia is part of the region’s identity, a leading Croatian white wine and its fresh and crispy pride.  Malvasia is a family of grapes that includes Malvasia Bianca and Malvasia Nera, but the most widely used is the Malvasia Bianca.  Malvasia (also known as Malvazia) is a group of wine grape varieties grown historically in the Mediterranean.  The Malvasia is a grape of Greek origin that has existed for about 2,000 years.  The Malvasia tends to prefer dry climates with vineyards planted on sloping terrains of well drained soils.  It can produce wines that go from very dry to very sweet.  The grape produces golden, fragrant, flavourful wines with hints of apricots, muscat, and almonds.

It is one of the more interesting wines to pair with sea food and fish.  It is served with white fish, shellfish or risotto or pasta and white meat.  Serve at a temperature of 8-10 °C.


Chardonnay
Chardonnay, the most popular sort of all wines, is crisp, elegant, fruity and acidic.  Chardonnay grapes are a cross between the Pinot family and a very old and nearly extinct grape variety called Gouais Blanc....

Momjan’s Muskat
Momjan’s Muskat, a truly unique sort, grown on Momjan territory, is a beautifully aromatic and perfumed, semi-sweet, late-harvest wine with the golden yellow colour of the Istrian sun.  The delicate and pleasant aromas offer a full and rounded taste....

Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc is a white wine grape, is a full-bodied dry white wine, with fruity aromas, often of apple, peach, citrus fruit, and some floral characteristics.  This wine has a clear, straw yellow colour, with light golden and green reflections.....

Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris is a wine whose colour is a light shade of pink.  It is also known by the name Pinot Grigio.  Today it is the most popular sort in Croatia.  It is a northern sort, but when grown in the Poreč region it has more colour and alcohol in it.....

Sauvignon
Sauvignon is a white wine, mostly dry and refreshing with notable acidity.  It is recognizable for its distinct aromas of blooming meadows and the specific flavours of green apple, grape and asparagus.  The taste is strong and full. ....



Red sorts

Teran
Teran is an old Istrian autochthonous cultivar which was mentioned for the first time 600 years ago.  Until 100 years ago it was the main Istrian sort which was grown on most of the hither vineyards.  It is a rich, slightly sour, full-bodied red wine with a high lactic acid content.  It is very palatable, and highly prized by connoisseurs of fine wines. ....
Red Muskat

Red Muskat has carried Poreč’s good reputation in wine growing for more than 100 years.  It is traditionally produced as dessert wine.....
Merlot
Merlot is a popular wine which has medium body with recognizable imprints of black currents and plums.  Merlot is a very soft, velvety and therefore very smooth wine.  Its name derives from ....

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a high quality sort, whether the produced wine is white or red.  As a red wine, it ages perfectly.  As a white wine it produces a fine sparkling wine and is distinct in its outstanding bouquet.  The wine has temperament and ....

Pinot Noir pairs well with pork, beef and cheese.  This sheen wine also pairs with venison, goose, duck, strong meat dishes, mushrooms, tuna....

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular sort of grapes in the world.  It has a lovely and strongly expressed aroma with hints of black current.  The wine is dark, distinctive and characteristic. Cabernet Sauvignon is dry, has a full body and ....

Cabernet Sauvignon is served at 16°C.

Borgonja
Borgonja is one of the oldest known sorts of grapes.  This old Istrian autochthonic sort grows best in terra rossa in north-western Istria.  It is suitable for producing young Beaujolais wine.  Borgonja wine is a mildly strong and strong wine, with....

Refošk
Refošk (also known as Refosco) is an Istrian sort, with rich expression and character, a frit bouquet of raspberry and sour cherry but also with a slight trace of herbs.  It has a high mineral content and ....

Recommendations

Wine Routes - Istrian supa - Istrian grappa ....

The grape harvest - At the end of summer, when nature becomes rich in colours, the diligent hands of Istrian people are awarded with abundance. Lush green vineyards, situated on the hills and in the fields, are willing to offer their juicy sweet fruits in the name of the wine symphony rich in colour, flavour and fragrance. Whether you choose the hills and fields of the Umag - Buje vineyards, the fertile vineyards in Poreč, the territory of Pula - Rovinj abundant with  sunshine or the evergreen vineyards in the middle of Istria, be ready for a festival of joy, old values and a warm community that permeates every grape picker. Your hosts, in homesteads (Agritourism), in farm houses or in one of the many holiday homes surrounded by beautiful vineyards, will share with you the unique experience of picking grapes and introduce you to a world of old traditions, togetherness  and to the source of joy.

More About Istrian wine

A few tips
  • The maximum allowed blood alcohol level in the Republic of Croatia is 0.5 %, so if you intend to enjoy the pleasures of wine, find accommodation near the desired wine cellar
  • Other than our quality wines, we recommend you taste the superb Istrian balsamic vinegar and herbal blackberry wine with aphrodisiac properties
  • Martinje, the traditional wine feast, celebrates the baptism of young wines, the tasting of older wines and a rich cuisine with a variety of cheerful and entertaining programs
  • Young wines must be opened several hours before consumption to enable them to "breathe"

Monday, July 18, 2011

Umag , ATP Studena Croatia Open

22. ATP Studena Croatia Open 21.-31.07.2011

We will see the very best of Croatian tennis in Umag this year - all three of our best players will compete at the 22nd ATP Studena Croatia Open. This way, in the last week of July, the Croatian audience at the ATP stadium will be able to cheer for Marin Čilić, Ivan Ljubičić and Ivan Dodig, among other top players.
The ATP Studena Croatia Open is more than just an outstanding ATP World Tour tennis tournament. The event has helped to establish Umag as a symbol of high-quality Croatian tourism. Former Roland Garros champion Carlos Moya has been an outstanding ambassador for the city and the tournament, winning four titles, including three straight between 2001-03.
Thanks to the sponsorship family great support and local institutions, the city of Umag and the Tourist Board, entertainment part of a tournament is reinforced as well. The result of this cooperation is a great program of ATP events that in four weeks complements entire entertainment all over Istria.
Site:
ATP Stadium
Savudrijska cesta bb
52470 Umag
Tel: +385 52 719 125
Fax: +385 52 741 513
Website:www.croatiaopen.hr

ATP Umag Party Nights

21.07. Elvis Stanić
Elvis Stanić is one of the best Croatian contemporary guitar and accordion players, and an award-winning, middle-generation jazz composer. He is the leader of the "Elvis Stanić Grupa", a jazz fusion group...
22.07. Neno Belan
Former frontman of the Split-based band Đavoli, Neno Belan, has achieved considerable success in a rather short period of time in all of former Yugoslavia, leaving behind many an evergreen and hit.
23.07. Montserrat Caballé
During her long and impressive career Montserrat Caballé has sung in over eighty opera roles, from baroque opera to Verdi, Wagner, Puccini and Strauss. Her voice is known for its clarity, precision in control, extraordinary...
24.07. Goran Griff
Goran Griff Kauzlarić, an accomplished guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from Buje. He has played as a professional musician for over 30 years in Croatia and abroad. Besides singing and playing...
25.07. Positivo
All "Positivo" band members are both instrumentalists and singers. They carry a sensibility towards music that radiates energy, emotion and quality performance during their concerts. Their music is under a variety of influences...
26.07. Buđenj
"Buđenje" is a band that has existed at the music scene for many years. Led by the songwriter and singer Darko Bakić, the band's music is classified as Mediterranean pop-rock with a modern music production. "Buđenje"play their hits as well as hits...
27.07. The Beat Fleet
Their music is unique in Croatia and the unique way they create music and performe their raps is what makes them special. Virtually, they are the founders of a new genre of music, a mix between hip-hop and rock, but regardless of their unique...
28.07. Lana Jurčević
Lana Jurčević is one of the most successful artists in Croatia in general. She was singing since she was a child, and has stepped onto the Croatian music scene in 2003 when she released her first album.
29.07. Gustafi
They began with their concerts in 1980 in Vodnjan, and next year they were already touring in Ljubljana, Zagreb, Belgrade, and Sarajevo. The band gained its status as a cult alternative group due to its outstanding performance in the YURM finals...
30.07. Jinx
Jinx are a small but incredibly successful hits factory, capable of unifying all music tastes within one song, in a single perfect pop moment. In 1998 they received an award from the French state radio intended for best young band in Europe.
31.07. Vanna
Vanna's music career began nearly two decades ago. She gained her popularity among the audience through the years with the “Electro Team” as their lead singer and co-author of many hits that helped shape the nineties music.

Istria Gourmet & Jazz Festival program

Thursday, 21.7.2011.

Istria Gourmet Festival Opening
Gourmet theme: Istrian truffle

Restaurant "Zigante", Livade
Thanks to a long-term tradition in making truffle specialties, the members of the Zigante family become culinary experts that treat every dish as a creation. Numerous awards confirm the top level restaurant service provided: Year 2003., 2004. «top 5» restaurants in Istra, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 «Gault Milau» , 2004, 2005, «Dobri hrvatski restorani» top 10 in Croatia, 2009 TV EXCELLENCE"- Excellence Gourmet & Hotels Award- "We certify that this Activity is highly Recommended by the International Media & TV Journalists for its Professionality, Service, Cuisine, Atmosphere" . 2010 . TRAVEL INFO CROATIA. Recognition from the Istrian Tourist Community - CHOSEN RESTAURANTS 2010.

Friday, 22.07.2011.

 Wine: Istrian white wine
Restaurant "Kukuriku", Kastav
The ethnic culinary service that makes Kukuriku known even outside the Croatian borders is based on a long-term tradition, along with the avantgard approach and lucidity of the creator Nenad Kukurin. His distinct style and artistic approach to the culture of the table has set many worldwide accepted guidelines in gastronomy.

Saturday, 23.7.2011.

Istrian Cheeses: Istrian goat cheese
The family homestead "Aleš", Štancija Kumparička (Pula) and restaurant "Hiša" Staro Selo (Slovenia)
The family homestead from the 14th century, situated in Štancija Kumperički next to Pula, produces high-quality cheeses. Their products are made in complete harmony with nature, respecting and promoting the true taste and smell in gastronomy.

Sunday, 24.7.2011.

Wines: Continental and Mediterranean
Restaurant "Dubravkin put", Zagreb
Dubravkin put is famous for its premium quality, and its basic gastronomic selection of first-class fish. This restaurant is a true harmony of Mediterranean tastes, smells and excellent ingredients that guarantee the highest quality. Along with the restarurant, there is a Wine bar with an astonishing wine selection.

Monday, 25.7.2011.

JRE Day: Jenues restaurateurs d'Europe
Restaurant "Steira Wirt", Trautmannsdorf (Austria)
Restaurant San Rocco, Brtonigla
Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe (JRE) is an association of the best restaurants in Europe. In the JRE restaurants a customer can always count on love and passion towards professionalism, in combination with an exclusive ambient. They are compiled of over 350 restaurants situated all around Europe. One of such JRE restaurants is Steira Wirt'. It is a family restaurant owned by siblings Richard and Sonja Rauch, and it is situated in Trautmannsdorf, Austria. Their motto is 'to be a good host and to please all of their guests'. The restaurant offers the highest quality regional cuisine, along with prestigious drinks gathered from all around Austria.

Tuesday, 26.7.2011.

Wines: Red or white wine?
Agritourism Tončić, Zrenj

Wednesday, 27.7.2011.

Vinegar: All that you did not know about the vinegar
Restaurant "La Subida", Cormons (Italy)
La Subida is a small family hotel owned by Joško and Loredana Sirk. It is situated in the hills amidst famous Collio Goriziano vineyards (Friuli Venezia Giulia). The chef Alessandro Gavagna follows the Sirk family with his talent and passion. This young chef that garners immense respect towards the regional tradition, combines great technical skills with deep sensitivity and creativity. He is a valuable star in "La Subida", and they are proud to have him.

Thursday, 28.7.2011.

Summer Vegetables: Istrian garden specialties on a plate
Tavern "Morgan", Bracanija (Brtonigla)
A sanctuary for gastronomers, an excellent tavern with good, delicious food created from homemade ingredients, the Morgan family farm is a guarantee of Istrian culinary experience. Brisk routine dishes, chosen from culinary customs characteristic for the Istrian region, and the family itself are brought to perfection. The seemingly rustic cuisine has grown into high cuisine almost without anyone noticing. Dried ham, Istrian sausages, stuffed pasta, young cheeses, brisk soups, poultry, venison and finally the boškarin are a gastronomic rhapsody. Their talent is displayed the most in their ability to devise original recipes that look like premium traditional regional dishes made exclusively from the best ingredients.

Friday, 29.7.2011.

Istrian cattle: Boškarin
Agency for the rural development of Istra (AZRI), Pazin
It is the first agency of it its kind in Croatia. The agency headquarters are in Pazin, and it deals with a specific task of coordinating production in the rural areas of Istra, along with initiating economic and developmental programs. Their wish to attend at the 'Istria gourme restoran' shows great potential for the future, as well as a presentation of a wide spectrum of culinary uses for the boškarin.

Saturday, 30.7.2011.


Olive oil: In all the colours of liquid gold
Kozlović wines, Momjan

Sunday, 31.7.2011.


Fish and paste: Hommage to Istria
Restaurant Villa Crespi, Chef Tonino Cannavacciuolo: Campania Felix

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Olive oil roads in Istria

Umag • Novigrad • Buje • Brtonigla • Savudrija

AL TORCIO ,  ANMAR ,  BASIACO Franco,  BENVEGNU Remiggio , BURŠIĆ FAM. , COSSETTO Marijan , ČINIĆ Nino , KMET FAM. , KRALJEVIĆ-LEONI , CUJ    RADESICH FAM., RAVALICO F.lli & Figli , SELVELLA ,  ZIGANTE Giancarlo,ZUBIN FAM.  , Agro Millo , Agrofin , Brajko Anđelo ,  Cattunar Franco , Clai - Bijele zemlje , Čeko Branko , Farma Jola , Gambaletto , Kabola , Kozlović Franko , Olive Charm  , Perossa Ivan ,    Radešić Romano , San Rocco , Spitz Fam. , Veralda  ,  Visintin Nerino ,  Benvegnu Oriano , Cecco Antonio , Degrassi Armando , Fernetić Franko , Gardoš Roberto Goran ,  Miletić Elvino ,  Paoletić Tulio , Pregara Fam. , Radešić Silvino ,  Scrignar Maurizio , Sinožić Vedran , Valentić Fam.,  Vardabasso Bruno , Zubin Aldo

Poreč • Tar – Vabriga • Kaštelir - Labinci

AGROLAGUNA , MIH d.o.o. , Farm Pino , Kocijančić Obrad , Mahne Paolo , Selina , Stojnić Anton , Stojnić Nivio , Žužić Fam. , Brčić Anđelo , Ogresta Stipe , OPG Ban & Torcello

Vrsar • Funtana • Sv. Lovreč

Vošten Mario , Mišetić Zoran , Vina Terre

Rovinj • Bale • Kanfanar

DOBRAVAC Damir , LUPIĆ Vedran , MENEGHETTI , NOVI TORAČ , OLIVETTI , ZANINI Guido , Lanča Željko , Malusa Dario , Matošević Mladen , Pokrajac Klaudio , Popović Mirko , Rudan Giansandro , Valalta , Šturman Anton , Šturman Klaudio ,  Šuran Rino

Pula • Medulin • Ližnjan • Fažana • Vodnjan • Marčana • Barban

AGROPRODUKT , BALIJA FAM.  , BIASIOL Maurizio , BRIST OLIVE , CERLON Giorgio , CHIAVALON , FIORE ,  MELOTO , OLEA B.B. , OSTOJIĆ-PERIĆ , TOFETTI Lucio , TONIN , Biasiol Livio , Cetina Aldo , Crnobori - Banjolac  , Delton Sergio , Giacometti- Moscarda , Macan Gianfranco , Marčeta Dario , Peršić Mario , Sladonja , Sučić Ante  , Tanger Silvano  , Teraboto  , Šimunović Mario , Cossara Livio , Fioranti Odino , Miljavac Livio ,Terra Caviada - Virgulan

Buzet • Gračišće • Grožnjan • Oprtalj • Motovun • Pazin • Višnjan • Vižinada ...

ANTOLOVIĆ Viviano , CERNAZ FAM. , GERŽINIĆ FAM.  , IPŠA FAM. , TORKOP , VRANIĆ Franko ,  Antonac fam.  , Božić - Cesar , Casa Maršić , Černeka Adriano , Dešković Fam. , Fatorić Robert  , Poletti Peter , Pucer Fam. , Rossi Fam. , Sirotić Damir , Sirotić Sanjin , Vižintin Milan , Šeme Baričević Marija , Bernobich Lucio , Božić Vlado ,  Jakac Dorjan  , Jerman Vlado , Oklen Fam. , Petohleb Miro , Prodan Miljenko

Friday, July 15, 2011

Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park is an oasis of the magnificent harmony between man, animal and plant life. There are almost 700 plant species and about 250 bird species on the islands, whereas the mild Mediterranean climate makes it a pleasant health resort. After leaving Fažana, the line of green islands viewed from the boat, transforms into Veliki Brijun, the largest of the 14 islands.

The traces of dinosaurs, remains of Antiquity and later periods, achievements of modern times are all present in this area, whose development as an exclusive resort starts in 1893 thanks to the “old Austrian”, the industrialist Paul Kupelwieser, owner of the Brijuni Islands. This fashionable seaside resort and one of the leading health resorts started developing and gaining popularity all over Europe and worldwide, but this unfortunately ended with the beginning of World War I.

From then on Brijuni were mostly known for the political activities of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, the president of former Yugoslavia, who arrived on Brijuni for the first time in 1947. The usual, short introduction to Brijuni is a tour by tourist train that takes visitors through all the different natural beauties; through the safari park, by the Byzantine castrum, Roman residential villa in Verige Bay and many other interesting sights. Right by the harbor, close to hotels "Istra", "Neptun" and "Karmen" is the church of St. German from the 15th century which houses an exhibit of Istrian frescoes and copies of Glagolitic monuments.
Nearby is the natural science exhibit, archaeological museum and exhibition "Tito on Brijuni".

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Olive oil in Istria

Olive oil

The liquid gold of the Mediterranean, olive oil, has always been much more than just an ingredient; it is medicinal, magical and an inexhaustible source of enchantment. The olive tree is a symbol of abundance, glory and peace, winners were decorated with its branches, and its oil was served to the most powerful heads. It is a sacred tree and a symbol of peace, fertility, abundance, wisdom and power that has been feeding, nurturing and healing for thousands of years.

About olive trees

The olive was brought to the Mediterranean about 6 000 years ago. This is one of the oldest trees in the world. It is a known fact that the 20 million-year old fossilized remains of an old ancestor of olive trees have been found.  The olive is a very resistant tree; its vital, almost immortal power, resists  strong winters and scorching summers, proudly stretching out its branches toward the sky.

The benefits of olive oil

According to legend, it was chosen by the Creator to nurture and heal all His creatures. The healing properties of olive oil have been known for long time. The daily intake of this ingredient prevents the occurrence of chronic degenerative diseases and is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, with strengthening immunity, preventing cancer; it has a good effect on the gastric mucosa as well as numerous anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil is also a well-known cosmetic product, which has very beneficial effects on skin, hair and nails, making them vital, shiny and smooth.

Types of olive oil production

Olive oil is obtained by pressing healthy olive fruit. It is divided into 4 quality categories: extra virgin, virgin, olive oil and sansa oil. The well-known extra virgin olive oil (olio di oliva extravergine) is obtained after the first pressing of healthy olive fruit, and its acidity (free fatty acids) does not exceed 0.8 to 0.2 percent.

The oil still has to pass organoleptic testing and must not have any smell that is not characteristic of the oil. Thus, for example, "extra virgin olive oil enriched with rosemary" is not really extra virgin olive oil.

Olive oil in Istria