Degrassi Merlot Contarini 2015

On the Terre Rosse site near Petrovija (close to Umag) both genetically very close yet distinct varieties, Teran and Refosco, grow on red soil. Both have high acidity and a large share of antioxidants, producing fresh, invigorating and long-lasting wines. Low yield provides additional assurance of aroma quality and the potential for long ageing. Alcoholic fermentation begins at 25–28 °C for 10–15 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation take place in small oak barrels for 36 months, helping to round the initially lively acids and tannins. This is followed by blending and ageing in a large cask for several months, after which the wine settles and matures in bottle for a further 6 months.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje, at 220–250 m above sea level, in the Contarini site. The ideal microclimate allows the grapes to ripen while retaining enough acidity to give the wine fruitiness and balance, while the mineral white soil supports drinkability with its distinct mineral notes. Part of the must undergoes cryomaceration and, after gentle pressing, ferments separately at 14–16 °C. The wine ages on fine lees in stainless steel until spring, when it is bottled.

This wine is born in the finest wine-growing area of Buje, Contarini-Brazzania, where low yields per hectare allow the creation of top-quality wines. The vineyards are laid like an amphitheatre, ideally benefiting from the local climate and the mineral white soils. The grapes are destemmed and the must ferments in stainless-steel tanks at 18–25 °C for 20 days. This is followed by pressing and the completion of fermentation (including malolactic) in stainless steel until the end of December. The wine matures in oak barrels of various sizes (barrique, tonneaux, large casks) for 4 years, followed by a further 2 years of integration in stainless steel.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje, at 220–250 m above sea level, in the Bomarchese site. The ideal microclimate allows grapes to ripen while retaining enough acidity to give the wine fruitiness and balance, while the mineral white soil supports drinkability with its pronounced mineral notes. Part of the must undergoes cryomaceration and, after gentle pressing, ferments separately at 14–16 °C. The wine ages on fine lees in stainless steel until spring, when it is bottled.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje, at 220–250 m above sea level, in the Contarini site. The ideal microclimate allows the grapes to ripen while retaining enough acidity to give the wine fruitiness and balance, while the mineral white soil supports drinkability with its distinct mineral notes. Part of the must undergoes cryomaceration and, after gentle pressing, ferments separately at 14–16 °C. The wine ages on fine lees in stainless steel until spring, when it is bottled.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje at 220–250 m above sea level, in the San Pellegrin site, historically known for this variety. Maintaining low yields per hectare and the ventilation of the position allow the production of healthy grapes essential for extended ripening and achieving the desired concentration of aromas. After a short cryomaceration and gentle pressing, the must ferments at low temperature to preserve the irreplaceable Muscat aroma concentration.

The wine is dry, warm, and smooth, with pleasant freshness. It is moderately tannic with fine, soft tannins. The wine is flavourful with a medium body. It is balanced, with pronounced flavour intensity and very good persistence. The wine is harmonious and easy to drink, with notes of red currant emerging on the aftertaste. It pairs excellently with veal roast prepared under the traditional "čripnja" (baking bell) with homemade potatoes.

Franc Arman Merlot Superior matures partly in large oak barrels and partly in barrique casks. It is characterised by a deep dark-red colour. This atypically styled wine is full and robust, yet still pleasantly drinkable, marked by aromas of ripe cherry and raspberry with a chocolate-and-spice aftertaste. Discreet oak notes intertwine gently with the fruit aromatics, contributing to the wine’s superior overall impression.

The wine is dry, warm, and smooth, with pleasant freshness. It is moderately tannic with fine, soft tannins. The wine is flavourful with a medium body. It is balanced, with pronounced flavour intensity and very good persistence. The wine is harmonious and easy to drink, with notes of red currant emerging on the aftertaste. It pairs excellently with veal roast prepared under the traditional "čripnja" (baking bell) with homemade potatoes.

Franc Arman Merlot Superior matures partly in large oak barrels and partly in barrique casks. It is characterised by a deep dark-red colour. This atypically styled wine is full and robust, yet still pleasantly drinkable, marked by aromas of ripe cherry and raspberry with a chocolate-and-spice aftertaste. Discreet oak notes intertwine gently with the fruit aromatics, contributing to the wine’s superior overall impression.

Wine of elegant deep ruby colour, with aromas of ripe blackberries and violets, complemented by smoke and dark chocolate. Dry, balanced and expressive.

Wine of elegant deep ruby colour, with aromas of ripe blackberries and violets, complemented by smoke and dark chocolate. Dry, balanced and expressive.

Wine of elegant deep ruby colour, with aromas of ripe blackberries and violets, complemented by smoke and dark chocolate. Dry, balanced and expressive.

Wine of elegant deep ruby colour, with aromas of ripe blackberries and violets, complemented by smoke and dark chocolate. Dry, balanced and expressive.

Wine of elegant deep ruby colour, with aromas of ripe blackberries and violets, complemented by smoke and dark chocolate. Dry, balanced and expressive.

Short description:A robust wine from the Merlot variety grown in the Motovun region, aged 18 months in oak barrels. Deep ruby colour with blackberry, plum and Mediterranean herb aromas.

Short description:A robust wine from the Merlot variety grown in the Motovun region, aged 18 months in oak barrels. Deep ruby colour with blackberry, plum and Mediterranean herb aromas.

Short description:A robust wine from the Merlot variety grown in the Motovun region, aged 18 months in oak barrels. Deep ruby colour with blackberry, plum and Mediterranean herb aromas.

Valenta Winery is a newer name on the wine scene, but only when speaking of labels. Wine has been produced in this family for a long time, and a great deal of knowledge and experience is hidden in these bottles. The audience seems to respond very well to what Valter Valenta does, as the wines had one of the shortest paths from anonymity to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best. As Kaldir and the surroundings of Motovun are slowly proving to be a special place for Malvasia and Teran, this small family winery is steadily climbing in the competition for recognition. The Muscat is no exception. What especially distinguishes it is the well-judged sweetness. The wine does not tire the palate, it is very pleasant in the mouth, with very clean and clear Muscat aromas and, although sweet, it manages to remain elegant.

The wine has a beautiful greenish-yellow color, is crystal clear and moderately dense. On the nose, it opens with the scent of acacia blossom, notes of fresh apple and lime peel, and a hint of mint leaf. The wine is dry, moderately warm, and moderately soft, while on the other hand, it shows fine freshness, pleasant minerality, and a medium body. Kabolina Malvazija is in excellent balance, with pronounced flavor intensity and fine flavor persistence. The wine is tasty, harmonious, and very drinkable, with a peach note appearing on the aftertaste.

At first sniff, notes of cherry and chocolate appear, followed by hints of star anise and clove, and finally a touch of lilac blossom. The wine is dry, warm, and smooth, characterised by its typical freshness and pleasant tannins. It is flavourful with a medium body. The wine is balanced, with pronounced flavour intensity and excellent persistence. On the aftertaste, notes of blackberry emerge. It is harmonious, easy to drink, and pairs excellently with gnocchi and game meat.

In Sylvis Arbor Malvazija Istarska is a harmonious wine distinguished by its straw-yellow colour with golden reflections. It is crystal clear and moderately dense.

A dry wine made from 100% Teran, with an elegant ruby red colour and violet reflections, featuring aromas of ripe cherry, cornelian cherry and dark chocolate. Fresh, harmonious, medium-bodied.

Valenta Sauvignon Blanc deserves every recommendation. A pleasant surprise awaits in this bottle: a clearly defined varietal character of Sauvignon, unintrusive and well-balanced aromatics, with a wide palette of herbal and vegetal notes, none of which dominate. The entire aromatic picture is firmly set on a minimal but permissible amount of residual sugar. In a comparative tasting alongside other domestic Sauvignons, a subtle difference in the mineral profile emerges — one that we generously attribute to the terroir.

Fakin Malvazija LA Prima 2023 0.75L

On the Terre Rosse site near Petrovija (close to Umag) both genetically very close yet distinct varieties, Teran and Refosco, grow on red soil. Both have high acidity and a large share of antioxidants, producing fresh, invigorating and long-lasting wines. Low yield provides additional assurance of aroma quality and the potential for long ageing. Alcoholic fermentation begins at 25–28 °C for 10–15 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation take place in small oak barrels for 36 months, helping to round the initially lively acids and tannins. This is followed by blending and ageing in a large cask for several months, after which the wine settles and matures in bottle for a further 6 months.

Franc Arman Merlot Superior matures partly in large oak barrels and partly in barrique casks. It is characterised by a deep dark-red colour. This atypically styled wine is full and robust, yet still pleasantly drinkable, marked by aromas of ripe cherry and raspberry with a chocolate-and-spice aftertaste. Discreet oak notes intertwine gently with the fruit aromatics, contributing to the wine’s superior overall impression.

A fresh and elegant Istrian white wine made from Malvazija, with gentle aromas of acacia, apple and plum, balanced acidity and mineral character. Perfect with seafood and light cheeses.

Teran Il Primo is an elegant, serious wine with a full body, showing notes of marasca cherry, smoke, cooked dark fruit and fine dark chocolate. Precise, intense and long-lasting.

An aromatic ruby-red wine with pronounced notes of rose, cranberry, wild strawberry and cherry. Slightly sweet, fresh and elegant.

A wine with a pronounced yet elegant and non-aggressive aroma. The nose is dominated by characteristic herbal-fruity notes, while the palate reveals tropical fruit — mango, passion fruit and citrus — with a herbal finish. This fresh, medium-bodied wine pairs ideally with noble cheeses, fish dishes and shellfish.

Named after our family nickname, this wine blends regional wine heritage with Marko's personal journey, who embarked on a winemaking adventure without a family tradition, creating it independently and wholeheartedly. Although both of us, Lara and Marko, collaborate on all In Sylvis wines, Teran Baćun is exclusively Marko’s wine, showcasing both the robust character of the Teran variety and the Baćun family spirit.

A dry wine made from 100% Sauvignon, with an elegant green-yellow hue and aromas of fresh peach, elderflower blossom and hints of green pepper and freshly cut grass. Fresh, harmonious, medium-bodied.