Istria and its wines are deeply engrained in the history of this Croatian peninsula. Croatia is not the first country that comes to mind when considering fine European wines, though the tradition of Istria and its grapevines rivals that of nearly any other region. There are several different types of wines that come from the vineyards in Istria, though none is more famous than the Instrian malmsey.
The Istrian malmsey is a fresh, vibrant wine seemingly designed to complement the entire palate of Mediterranean cuisine. Malmsey ranges in alcohol content to the variations seen in other whites, though its color can change greatly from year to year. The appearance of the wine is not characteristic of what many would consider truly white, though it is much lighter than the region’s reds.
Istrian red wines are often called black because of their deep, dark hues. The color is more a deep purple than a red, and is rich with flavors to complement the more earthly recipes of the region’s cuisine. The farms throughout Istria will carry a variety of wines comprising their own blend of techniques and vintage, though the general identification of the region’s yield is broken into more whites than reds.
For travelers interested in the Istrian wine region, there are several tours that travel wine roads for tasting and exploration. If you are visiting Istria check out accommodation Istria. The region is characteristic of the Croatian landscape, with a personable poopulation happy to share, with anyone who comes asking, their insights into the wine tradition of Istria.
