MALVAZIJA ISTARSKA FESTIGIA
APPELLATION PDO Hrvatska Istra
Premium dry white wine 0,75
VARIETAL
100% Malvazija istarska
TERROIR
Our vineyards in Starići and Vižinada, established between 2006 and 2018, are perched at altitudes ranging from 140 to 260 meters on diverse hilly terrains. In Vižinada, the vines are rooted in deep, mineral-rich "white soil" over flysch, contributing to the grapes' freshness and complex character. The Starići vines flourish in warm, fertile terra rossa soil, blended with limestone, which imparts a distinctive richness. We meticulously manage our vineyards using both single and double Guyot systems, focusing on low yields of 1.5-1.8kg per vine. This approach ensures that each grape encapsulates the unique flavors and quality of Istria's varied terroir.
VINIFICATION
Our Malvazija Istarska is harvested from two unique vineyard plots in Istria. The first is located on the distinctive white soils at the juncture of Western and Central Istria, while the second thrives on red, limestone-infused soil in Western Istria. We harvest our grapes in the early morning to ensure that their natural freshness and vibrant aromas are perfectly preserved. Picking the grapes at the peak of their ripeness allows us to capture more intense and mature flavors.
In the winemaking process, we focus on enhancing the wine's body and character. After an initial 6 - 12 hour maceration in
the press, which helps to enrich the wine's texture, we proceed to fermentation with slightly more turbidity. This approach, rather than extensive clarification, allows the wine to maintain more of its natural character and richness, contributing to a fuller body and depth of flavor.
The fermentation is carefully managed at cool temperatures around 12-13°C, taking about a month to complete. Post-fermentation, the wine matures on the yeast remnants (lees) for 3-5 months, which imparts additional layers of complexity and nuance.
Finally, the wine is stabilized before bottling, ensuring its quality and longevity. Our Malvazija Istarska, with its combination of mature aromas, full body, and a harmonious balance of richness and freshness, is a proud representation of Istria's diverse terroir.
TASTING NOTES
Our Malvazija Istarska boasts a bright straw-yellow color with greenish highlights, symbolizing its vibrancy. The nose offers a rich bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, tropical nuances, and subtle floral and mineral notes. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with a silky texture, blending flavors of apple, pear, and citrus, enriched by its minimal clarification process. The finish is long and smooth, perfectly balancing ripe fruit with crisp minerality. This wine is a harmonious embodiment of Istria's varied soils, offering a delightful interplay of fruitiness, floral aromas, and refreshing acidity.
RECOMMENDATION
This Malvazija Istarska pairs excellently with a range of dishes: its vibrant fruitiness complements seafood, especially grilled fish and shellfish, while its floral and mineral notes make it a perfect match for light pasta dishes and risottos. It also harmonizes beautifully with Istrian prosciutto and soft cheeses, enhancing the delicate flavors of these regional specialties.