English
For many Dutch holidaymakers, Istria is the very first taste of Croatia. After a long drive, they finally see the sea – and the holiday can begin. Unlike other parts of the country, this region is well prepared for tourism, with large campsites and spacious resorts.
This peninsula lies in the northwest of the country, on the Adriatic Sea, bordering Slovenia. Just a few kilometres further you’ll find Italy. Over the centuries, countless rulers have left their mark here: the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Venetians, the Habsburg Empire and the former Republic of Yugoslavia.
The Roman presence is perhaps still the most visible today. Many coastal towns have a beautiful historic Roman centre, and in Pula you’ll find the largest surviving amphitheatre outside Rome itself.
Istria enjoys a mild, subtropical climate with regular rainfall throughout the year. This allows completely different grape varieties to thrive compared to the rest of Croatia.
The leading grape for white wines here is Istarska Malvazija. Although its name suggests a link to the many Malvasia grapes grown across the Mediterranean, DNA analysis has shown that the Istrian Malvazija is a distinct, authentic local variety.
From this grape, both young, crisp wines and full-bodied, aromatic amphora wines are made. The fresh, lighter styles pair beautifully with seafood and umami-rich dishes, while the more complex amphora wines can easily stand alone as a “dish in themselves”.
When it comes to red wine, Teran is the undisputed star of Istria. Belonging to the Refosco family, this grape has been cultivated for centuries in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, where it is known under names such as Terrano or Refosco. In Croatia, it is considered an indigenous variety.
Teran produces structured, full-bodied red wines with fresh acidity. It is highly regarded for its gastronomic potential, especially with the region’s hearty dishes.
Another jewel of Istria is Muškat Momjanski, an aromatic white grape that grows exclusively around the village of Momjan – and nowhere else in the world. It produces both semi-sweet and dry white wines that are intensely fragrant, floral and often surprisingly refined.