Vineyards in Croatia’s Istria region growing its flagship variety, Malvazija Istarska
Millions of tourists from around the world flock to Croatia every year, with Istria a particular favourite amongst German visitors, who can reach it by car in just a few hours. The largest peninsula in the Adriatic, Istria is surrounded by sea on three sides, with the Julian Alps to the north bringing cooling breezes.
This is a stunning landscape of clear seas, Roman ruins (Pula’s impressive amphitheatre is a must-see), fortified coastal towns and medieval hilltop villages. A unique setting, with vineyards everywhere, teeming with wildlife and dotted with olive groves producing award-winning oils.
Žatika Hall, Poreč
The versatile Malvazija
Exploring local wine is a great way to discover the Istrian landscape, especially through the lens of the region’s amazing local grapes. Malvazija Istarska plays the starring role – a unique white variety that probably originated here and is unrelated to other similarly named Malvasia grapes. Its name originates via Venetian traders centuries ago, but what really matters today is that this grape makes delicious wines.
Malvazija is incredibly versatile; most wines are vinified in steel for fresh, vibrant fruitiness, perfect with Istria’s abundant seafood. However, the variety also lends itself to more nuanced winemaking. Cold maceration before fermentation lends extra weight and aromatic complexity, while fermentation with skins, occasionally using amphorae, makes interesting orange styles. Fermentation and ageing in wood can also work well – options include oak,
