For the second time now, Istrian wines are featured on the pages of the Vinibuoni d’Italia Guide. After our first delightful experience in Poreč, we continued to take part in a number of other food and wine tastings, and soon we all began to feel a bit like Istrians. Now, after more than a year of visits and tastings, I have come to understand the charm of this land. And this is not only because of Malvasia wine, or representative products such as fish, shellfish, truffles and asparagus, but also because of all indigenous Istrian wines produced in this Adriatic region and all other tastes and aromas that intoxicate the chance traveller.

In 1775, Busching, a well-known geographer wrote, “Istria is a lovely peninsula (…) abounding in wine, oil, salt, fish and wild game. Most of the precious grapes of this region are taken to the capital city (Venice) where fine, heady wines are produced. An excellent wine called muscatel is especially in demand from this region.”

Decades later in 1837, it was recorded that “the wines of Istria are praised everywhere. Istrian wines differ in quality depending on the terrain and place in which the vines grow. Some wines are sweet, smooth and delicate, while others are harsh.”

With the above words begins the chapter dedicated to this rich region in which wine decanting began as early as the era of the ancient Romans. Praised are the excellent wines of Momjan, and tribute is given to wines from the regions of Umag, Rovinj, Poreč and Buje, as well as wines from Grožnjan, Motovun, Oprtalj, Buzet and Svetvinčenat.

Although almost two centuries have passed since the above observation was made, we want today’s Istrian wines to sweep the readers of Vinibuoni d’Italia off their feet. For the second time in row, Vinibuoni d’Italia features 20 renowned Istrian winegrowers. Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic invites you to discover and explore its beauty that comprises not only summer seaside tourism but also a rich food-and-beverage offering that is available all year round. Have a happy time discovering the mastery and flavours of Istria.

Stefano Cosma,
Vinibuoni d'Italia, 2012 

20 Istrian winemakers included in the Vinibuoni 2012 guide:

Agrolaguna, Poreč
Benvenuti, Kaldir
Capo, Brtonigla
Cattunar, Brtonigla
Clai Bijele Zemlje, Krasica
Coronica Moreno, Umag
Degrassi, Savudrija
Franc Arman, Vižinada
Geržinić, Vižinada
Kabola, Momjan
Kozlović, Momjan
Legovina - Obitelj Legović, Kaštelir
Matošević, Sv. Lovreč
Radovan, Višnjan
Ritoša, Poreč
Rossi Marino, Vižinada
Tercolo, Nova Vas
Tomaz, Motovun
Trapan, Pula
Zigante, Grožnjan