Vina Kozlovic Malvasia, Istria

Producer note

The Kozlović family have been making wine in the Istrian region of Croatia since 1904.  The region borders Friuli and the wines, food and people have a real connection with their Italian neighbours. The winery is run by Gianfranco and Antonella Kozlović and they currently cultivate 25 hectares of vineyard. Gianfranco is a perfectionist and he is constantly striving to improve his wine. He takes a modern approach to winemaking and produces seriously good wines.

Vineyard note

The vineyard is located in Santa Lucia in Western Istria at altitudes of between 200 to 240 metres above sea level. The age of the vines varies from nine to 54 years, but all are planted with a south to south-westerly orientation to maximise their exposure to the sun. The soils are made up of flysch, limestone and clay.

Winemaking

The grapes were manually harvested and carefully selected by hand. The berries were then cold macerated for 24 hours in stainless steel, extracting the aromas and flavours from the Malvazija berries. The grapes were then pressed and the must was fermented in stainless steel, preserving the freshness and the integrity of the primary aromas, followed by maturation for a minimum of seven months in stainless steel.

Tasting Note

A crisp, zesty, mineral rich wine with a complex nose of ripe melon, citrus, juicy yellow fruits and floral notes. Dry and intense on the palate with the fruit characters from the nose echoed on the palate, combined with a savoury and mineral complexity. The finish has a touch of characteristic bitterness making it very food-friendly.

Serving Suggestion

A food friendly and versatile wine, this makes the perfect pairing with risottos, fresh scallops, delicate white fish, poultry dishes served in a creamy sauce and grilled vegetables.

Grape

Malvazija Istriana 100%