Press Wine Trip to Northwestern Istria Croatia

Press Wine Trip to Northwestern Istria Croatia

by stasa cafuta trcek (text & photo)

It was more touristic press trip than wine trip. However, we learned in a fraction of the wine culture in this part of Croatia. Definitely it is a wine lovers place to discover. Organizers took us first day of our arrival to the Kozlović Winery. It has been my wish to visit them for a few years and I was warmly surprised when I saw their Family Estate. Winemaker Gianfranco Kozlović welcomed us and gave us a glass of rose (Merlot + T) 2013. Fresh and fruity wine served in a spot where you can enjoy the scenery – vineyards, modern architecture winery and the ruins of the castle of Momjan. After a while we enter the cellar and tasted Sauvignon + Malvazija Valle 2013 (Valle is brand name for fresh cuvee wines), Malvazija 2013, Santa Lucia Malvazia 2011, Muškat Ruža 2011 (sweet). ... all of them great wines with full of tastes and freshness... My only question was why they do not have screw caps for fresh wines?

In 3 days we visited the medieval town of Grožnjan - the town of artists and music is only twenty minutes from Umag. A hillock surrounded by terraced olive groves and vineyards. We also visited Umag ATP Stadium and Tennis Academy where during the summer holidays teaches tennis world famous tennis player Goran Ivanisevic. We tasted olive oils and tea made of olive leaves at Oma Jola in Savudrija. We also had cooking class at Casa Romantica La Parenzana in Buje where we cooked pasta with wild asparagus. They showed us Kempinski hotel Adriatic and Golf club Adriatic in Savudrija. Culinary highlight was dinner at boutique hotel San Rocco in Brtinogla and lunch in restaurant Pergola in Savudrija. Food was made from fresh local dishes in modern presentation. We stayed at hotel Nautica in Novigrad.

My TOP

• • Rose Violleta 2013, 12.5%, off dry, Kozlovič, Istria, Croatia

  • Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, 14%,dry, Kabola, Istria, Croatia

  • Malvazija Santa Lucija 2011, 14.6%, dry, Kozlovič, Istria, Croatia

More: www.coloursofistria.com