Sv. Jakov Malvazija ★ 4.9
Tasting notes: Long-macerated skin-contact Malvazija named Croatian Wine of the Year in 2018 and listed in Decanter's 10 wines to try before you die.
The iconic bottles that define Istria: what they are, who makes them and what they cost.
Iconic bottles of Istria
Malvazija Amfora ★ 4.7
Tasting notes: Kabola's amphora-aged Malvazija, one of Istria's benchmark skin-contact whites, fermented on the skins in clay.
Istraditional ★ 4.7
Tasting notes: Trapan's Istraditional, a long-macerated skin-contact Malvazija with a complex profile of dried fruit, tea, spice and Mediterranean herbs.
Santa Lucia Akacia ★ 4.6
Tasting notes: Acacia-wood aged Malvazija from the Santa Lucia range, showing honeyed, floral notes over the variety's usual citrus core.
Malvazija Marchiori ★ 4.7
Tasting notes: Bastian's 2023 Marchiori Malvazija won a Platinum medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards, showing a citrus-floral-spice profile with brioche, cardamom and vanilla.
Malvazija ★ 4.3
Tasting notes: Kozlovic's entry fresh Malvazija, described by the estate as precise and elegant, reflecting the red-soil terroir of Momjan.
Gran Teran ★ 4.6
Tasting notes: Coronica's selection-tier Teran, produced only selectively and given longer wood ageing for what the estate calls true Istrian character.
Stara Skola Refosk ★ 4.6
Tasting notes: Burgundy-hued Refosk with a garnet edge, dried cherry and cigar box on the nose, dark chocolate and forest floor on a structured, spice-driven palate.
Teran Re ★ 4.6
Tasting notes: Roxanich's Teran Re, part of the Philosophy collection of premium, terroir-driven Istrian reds designed to age.
Teran Barrique ★ 4.4
Tasting notes: Franc Arman's Teran Barrique, aged twelve months in barrique, ruby red with noble wild-fruit character and subtle vanilla.
Muskat Momjanski ★ 4.1
Tasting notes: Kozlovic's Muskat Momjanski, the aromatic Momjan speciality grown on the estate's red-soil slopes.
Muskat Momjanski ★ 4.0
Tasting notes: Kabola's Muskat Momjanski, the aromatic Momjan-zone speciality alongside the estate's Malvazija range.
Crno Vino ★ 4.4
Tasting notes: Piquentum's Crno Vino, a Motovun Teran given extended maceration, spontaneous fermentation and 14 to 18 months in barrique, bottled unfiltered.
Petra ★ 4.7
Tasting notes: Deep amber, dry and full-bodied, part of Roxanich's Sorelle range: acacia flowers, almond milk, garrigue herbs, nuts, sea salt and iodine.
Xtrian Brut ★ 4.1
Tasting notes: Veralda's Xtrian Brut, a Refosk-based sparkling wine made by the classic traditional method.
The One ★ 4.4
Tasting notes: Trapan's The One blends Syrah's pepper and dark fruit with Teran's freshness and energy.
Book wine experiences in Istria
Authentic Istrian family farm guided walk with food and wine
Discover Istria's authentic charm with our Olivo Istriano experience, blending history, tradition, and flavors. Walk through our orchard, home to 31 varieties of fresh...
Signature Wines in Istria, FAQ
When is the best time to visit Istria for wine?
Peak wine-travel season in Istria is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
Do I need an appointment to taste at Istria estates?
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
What hours do Istria cellars and tasting rooms keep?
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
How does tipping work at Istria tastings?
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
What is the one wine to try in Istria?
If you only open one bottle, open Sv. Jakov Malvazija by Clai. It is the wine most associated with Istria.