Producer: Vina Kozlovic

Region: Santa Lucia, West Istria

Blend: 100% Malvazija Istriana

Serve: 10-12°  |  With: White (and Shell) Fish

Bordering Friuli, everything about the Croatian county of Istria has deep connections with its Italian neighbours. Winemakers Gianfranco and Antonella Kozlovic, are the latest in a family business, started 115 years ago, and currently, they cultivate 25 hectares of south/south-westerly oriented vineyards.

Grapes are manually harvested and selected by hand. A cold maceration of (up to) 24 hours takes place in stainless steel tanks, prior to a gentle press. With aromas and flavours fully extracted, the must is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats in order to retain freshness and preserve the full fruit character. Maturation also occurs in stainless steel over a period of at least 7 months.

This wine is crisp, zesty and rich in mineral character. Aromatically complex, the nose reveals lemon, apple, apricot, peach and pineapple, all underpinned by a light spiciness. The palate is fresh, yet opulent, with the fruit dominating but also displaying a streak of (drying) minerality. There is a characteristic saltiness to the finish, complimented again, by light, food-friendly spice notes.