August 4, 2023. – As written by Wine & more the latest issue of the most renowned wine magazine, a 14-page feature titled “Croatia 2023” was published in collaboration with Vinistra and the Croatian Tourist Board.
MASTER OF WINE WRITES ABOUT CROATIA
Caroline Gilby, an enthusiastic connoisseur of Croatian and Slovenian wines and a revered Master of Wine, has graced the latest edition of Decanter magazine with a captivating piece on Croatian wines.
In the edition, she passionately sheds light on all four of Croatia’s wine regions, but Istria steals the limelight as the nation’s most famous and beloved wine region.
Gilby paints a mesmerizing picture of Istria, describing it as a region with a fiercely independent spirit, where authentic wines are born amid a stunning landscape of medieval hilltop villages, lush olive groves, and picturesque vineyards.
It is a land brimming with history and character, and its wines truly reflect this rich heritage.
One standout gem among Istria’s exceptional wines is Malvasia Istriana, which claims over 55% of the region’s vineyards.
Gilby delves into the intricacies of this grape, from its remarkably fresh expressions to its powerfully aged incarnations, capturing the essence of its diverse spectrum.
But Malvasia is not the only jewel in Istria’s crown. Gilby is also entranced by the indigenous Teran, a grape that she aptly describes as both a beauty and a beast in one.
This unique grape, along with native varieties like Muscat Momjanski and Muscat Rose, contributes to the region’s fascinating wine tapestry.
Gilby also touches upon the significance of Merlot, citing an Istrian winemaker who firmly believes that it has the potential to elevate Istria to the wine “Champions League.”
decanter wine salon in istria
The excitement is palpable as Decanter prepares to journey to Croatia in the coming year in partnership with Vinistra.
A special Decanter tasting event is set to be hosted in Istria, featuring Croatia’s award-winning wines from the Decanter competition.
This extraordinary event will gather some of the most esteemed wine experts from around the globe, making it a celebration of wine unlike any other.
Adding to the anticipation, Vinistra is gearing up to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.
Luka Rossi, the president of Vinistra, expresses his delight with the independent perspectives presented in Gilby’s article and their genuine appreciation for Istria’s wines and other regions of Croatia.
He takes pride in the fact that Malvazija and Teran have become synonymous with Istria, firmly establishing the peninsula as an alluring wine destination with a myriad of Decanter awards to its name.
VINISTRA 30TH ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENT
In a grand announcement, Rossi shares plans for a spectacular celebration of Vinistra’s 30th anniversary alongside the traditional annual exhibition at the Žatika Hall in Poreč from May 10th to 12th.
It promises to be a momentous occasion commemorating three decades of passion, dedication, and innovation in the world of Croatian wines.
Decanter’s feature also devotes one page to the springtime Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, where Vinistra excelled as an excellent host, opening the doors to Croatia for this prestigious wine evaluation.
Caroline Gilby wasn’t the only one captivated by the Istrian wine peninsula;
- Jane Foster took wine enthusiasts on an Istrian route, exploring Pula, Buje, Bale, Rovinj, Motovun, and more, and
- Simon J Woolf covered the other three Croatian wine regions – Dalmatia, the Croatian Uplands and Slavonia, and the Danube region.
As Istria takes center stage once again, wine lovers and adventurers alike can look forward to exploring its rich heritage and experiencing the true essence of its wines.
As we eagerly await the arrival of Decanter to Croatia and the celebration of Vinistra’s milestone, one thing is abundantly clear – Istria stands proudly as a beacon of excellence in the world of wine, and its stories, flavors, and landscapes are sure to mesmerize anyone who ventures into this enchanting wine region.
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