Croatia — wine

Istria

The heart-shaped Adriatic peninsula shared between Croatia and Slovenia, producing Istria's signature white wine — Malvazija Istarska — and compelling reds from Teran (Refosco) on red iron-rich soils. The combination of the Adriatic's moderating influence, red terra rossa soils, and elevated altitude produces wines of remarkable character.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Outstanding vintage; Malvazija of exceptional aromatic intensity and Teran showing remarkable depth.
2021 Elegant Istrian vintage; both white and red varieties showed good acid structure and mineral character.
2020 Benchmark year; Roxanich and Clai produced natural wines of extraordinary Istrian authenticity.
2019 Classic Adriatic conditions; terra rossa soils delivered Teran of exceptional iron intensity.
2018 Solid vintage; Malvazija's characteristic bitter almond and saline character particularly pronounced.