Wines to savour in Istria, Croatia

Unlike the wines of Italy, France and Spain, you are less likely to find Istrian wine on the shelves of the supermarkets. With this in mind, probably the best way to check these distinct and flavoursome wines out is by going on holiday to this beautiful land.

Aiding the nation’s present winemaking success, is the fact some innovative experiments have been going on with the new wave Croatian winemakers, such as ageing the wine in acacia casks instead of oak. Though it has to be said that it is the local grapes and vineyards which are the ultimate influencers in abetting the delightful local bottle of Istrian wine you are served in a restaurant.

Istrian winemaker Ivica Matosevic gets around the world, visiting wine shows and events in the countries of Europe and the US. He is happy to show off his fine wines, which consist mainly of Malvasia and Chardonnay varieties. Ivica does however produce a great little number called “Grimalda red,” which is a blend of Merlot and Teran.

There is a loft space in Iyica’s rural wine tasting building at Kruncici to the south east of Porec. Art exhibitions and live music also take place here, accompanied with lashings of the superb local house wine.

Fellow Istrian winemaker Bruno Trapan designed his wine tasting building to look and feel like a railway station. Trapan makes a full range of wines and a tasting session at the Wine Station in the town of Sisan, to the east of Pula.

Marino Markezic is another leading winemaker in Istria. Marino makes his fine wine at the Tuscan-looking area around Momjan, which lies to the north east of Porec close to the Slovenian border. The wine is aged in huge terracotta jars and buried under lavender. Marino’s tasting room is conveniently located in the basement of his villa.

We have to admit, the increasingly innovative, distinct and quality wine being produced on the fertile, sun-drenched soil of Istria, is yet another excuse to visit this stunning corner of the world.