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"
