Degrassi Sauvignon Blanc Contarini 2022

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.

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 soil. Alcoholic fermentation begins at 25–28 °C for 15–20 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation follow in small oak barrels for 18 months, allowing the noble aromas of wood and grapes to meld. The wine is then blended and aged for one year in a large cask, after which it rounds off and matures in the bottle for a further 6 months.

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.

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.

A gentle green hue complements the full palate and refined aromas of elderflower, intertwined with herbal and grassy notes and hints of tropical fruit. With pronounced fruitiness and minerality, it shows pleasant, gentle acidity and alcohol. Charming yet characterful, with a long and elegant finish. Best served with goat cheeses, spring risotto, shellfish, lobster and Asian cuisine.

A high-quality wine of light yellow-green colour with a delicate elderflower scent, full in flavour and body, featuring pronounced aromas of meadow herbs and bell pepper supported by the minerality of its terroir.

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.

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.

A gentle green hue complements the full palate and refined aromas of elderflower, intertwined with herbal and grassy notes and hints of tropical fruit. With pronounced fruitiness and minerality, it shows pleasant, gentle acidity and alcohol. Charming yet characterful, with a long and elegant finish. Best served with goat cheeses, spring risotto, shellfish, lobster and Asian cuisine.

A high-quality wine of light yellow-green colour with a delicate elderflower scent, full in flavour and body, featuring pronounced aromas of meadow herbs and bell pepper supported by the minerality of its terroir.

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.

An elegant white wine of Mediterranean character, featuring notes of sage, tomato leaf and light fruit. Fresh and precise.

An elegant white wine of Mediterranean character, featuring notes of sage, tomato leaf and light fruit. Fresh and precise.

An elegant white wine of Mediterranean character, featuring notes of sage, tomato leaf and light fruit. Fresh and precise.

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.

At first scent, citrus notes emerge, followed by hints of yellow pear and acacia blossom. The wine is dry, moderately warm, and subtly smooth, characterized by a refreshing acidity and medium body. It shows excellent balance, pronounced flavor intensity, and a long, lingering finish with a touch of nectarine on the aftertaste. Harmonious and easy to drink, it pairs wonderfully with Istrian cured meat platters.

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.

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 soil. Alcoholic fermentation begins at 25–28 °C for 15–20 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation follow in small oak barrels for 18 months, allowing the noble aromas of wood and grapes to meld. The wine is then blended and aged for one year in a large cask, after which it rounds off and matures in the bottle for a further 6 months.

Le Divine is a unique blend of 60% Sauvignon and 40% Istrian Malvasia. This powerful and rich wine came to be almost by accident, when a surplus of Sauvignon was left in the cellar in 2020. The wine aged for six months in wooden barrels and then a further year in the bottle. Le Divine enchants with its minerality and a subtle touch of oak, while its gentle aroma reveals notes of grapefruit, lime and vineyard peach. Its harmonious body is not overpowering but glides elegantly down the palate, offering a refined wine experience. It is bottled in 1.5-litre bottles, symbolising the monumentality of the Pula Arena, which also appears on the label designed by Studio Tumpić&Prenc. The label is inspired by an Istrian legend about fairy builders – powerful beings who, by night, stacked stones from Učka to build the magnificent structure. When the first rooster crowed, the fairies had to leave, leaving the Arena unfinished. Later they reached Vižinada and helped build the picturesque village of Narduči

A dry wine made from 100% Malvazija Istarska, with a golden-yellow hue and aromas of vanilla, dried apricots and almonds, mineral and full-bodied.

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.

Valle is a blend of Istrian Malvasia and Sauvignon Blanc. Malvasia gives it body and texture, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes aromatic complexity, freshness and verticality. The colour is pale lemon. On the nose it is gentle and somewhat restrained, hinting at youthful primary fruit through Malvasia’s peachy tone and Sauvignon’s green-peppery note. The two varieties intertwine so that neither dominates. The palate is dry with good flavour intensity. Here Malvasia steps back while Sauvignon leads with its freshness. Uncomplicated, slightly saline and pleasantly long on the finish.

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.

An aromatic semi-dry wine with a light yellow color, featuring aromas of citrus, acacia, elderflower and ripe stone fruit. Light, intensely fragrant and rounded, with pleasant freshness and a gently sweet finish.

Arbor Cuvée is a blend of Teran, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot that will captivate you with its maturity and elegance.

A red wine of intense colour with primary aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry and strawberry. Fresh, dynamic and elegant.

Semi-sweet white wine in a light golden hue, with intense floral aromas, lemon zest, apricot and quince. Fresh, elegant and easy to drink.