When Decanter writes about Istria, one should read. This is a beautiful story of Poreč (Parenzo), a town that effortlessly blends thousands of years of architectural history with a thriving wine culture.
Mirena’s first encounter with the town was on her 8th grade excursion — while her friends were shopping, she sneaked out on her own to explore the old town to visit the famous Euphrasian Basilica, the early-Christian compound which is the only complete landmark in the world preserved from that period. (This should not be surprising, given that Mirena’s Mom was an art history professor.) Fast forward, and while Mirena and Win have visited the Basilica numerous times, their wine exploration brings them to another important building in Poreč – the Žatika Center, where the annual Vinistra wine fair takes place every second week in May.
Appropriately, we bring you wines from three wineries in the town and nearby at 15% off:
Town of Poreč: Ritoša’s family vineyards and the winery are located right outside of the town, but the family lives right in Poreč, walking distance to the center, and in fact we like to stay in their BnB when we are there. Ana’s Teran is very light and nuanced, while still having Teran’s distinct peppery aroma. Pairs with dark poultry, lean red meats.
Fuškulin: If you are looking for a wine experience nearby, visit the small village of Fuškulin and the Damjanic family’s new winery.
Damjanić Malvasija – a classic coastal expression of Malvasia Istriana with dry, fresh, and harmonious notes and a hint of saltiness and bitterness. Perfect with seafood.
Damjanić Borgonja – this wine is known in other parts of Croatia as Frankovka, or its more commonly known name is from its original Austria – Blaufrankish. Ruby red, intense fruity scent of currant and raspberry, floral scent of violet. Stainless steel only, this wine pairs well with dark poultry or tuna steak.
Damjanić Duro – oaked for 12 months, this blend of Teran and Borgonja has dark cherry notes combined with blackberry, and Teran’s peppery notes. Great choice with all grilled meat or mushroom risotto.
Radovani: Saints Hills Cantina is a newly opened winery and wine hotel in Istria, where one can taste wines from both Istria and their vineyards in Dalmatia.
Saints Hills Mala Nevina 2024 is a new release of straw yellow blend of 70% Malvasia Istriana and 30% Chardonnay. It is aged for months in concrete eggs and wood. This wine is light and dry, with a bit of apricot and buttery notes, as well as pronounced minerality. Pairs great with shellfish, poultry and pasta.
If you are in Istria now, we hope you have great visits to the wineries.
Živjeli!
Mirena and Win