Istria’s dominant white grape and the fresh, acacia-scented wine made from it. It is genetically distinct from the other Malvasias whose names Venetian rule spread around the Adriatic, and it comes both in a crisp young style and a richer skin-contact one.
Wine comes from a vineyard and a licensed cellar; there is no kitchen procedure behind it.
What goes into it
- Malvazija istarska grapes
- yeast
- acacia or oak barrels for the aged styles
How it is made
The grapes are pressed and fermented cool in steel for the fresh style, which is bottled young. The traditional Istrian alternative ferments the juice on its skins for days or weeks, producing an amber wine with grip and tannin from a white grape.
How long it takes: one vintage a year
How it is eaten
With Adriatic fish, truffle dishes and Istrian pršut.
History
Istria’s dominant white grape, genetically distinct from other Malvasias; Venetian rule spread Malvasia names around the Adriatic.
Frequently asked questions
What is Malvazija istarska?
Malvazija istarska is a wine & spirit from Croatia: fresh, acacia-scented Istrian white, the peninsula’s signature grape. Istria’s dominant white grape, genetically distinct from other Malvasias; Venetian rule spread Malvasia names around the Adriatic.
How is Malvazija istarska made?
The grapes are pressed and fermented cool in steel for the fresh style, which is bottled young. The traditional Istrian alternative ferments the juice on its skins for days or weeks, producing an amber wine with grip and tannin from a white grape. It takes one vintage a year.
Can I make Malvazija istarska at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Wine comes from a vineyard and a licensed cellar; there is no kitchen procedure behind it.
What goes into Malvazija istarska?
Malvazija istarska grapes, yeast, acacia or oak barrels for the aged styles.
How is Malvazija istarska eaten?
With Adriatic fish, truffle dishes and Istrian pršut.
