CROATIA: Wine, Dine, and View
Article and photo by Anna Cavaliere

Waterfront CroatiaEnchanting countryside, good food and now also good wine can be yours in Croatia. One up-and-coming winery, that is making a name for itself, is Matosevic.

MATOSEVIC WINERY
Following a career as a gardener, and landscape designer, Ivica Matosevic received a bursary and began studies in enology.In 1996 he established his winery, with cellars in Sv. Lovrec, Croatia. The wines are created from its vineyards located on 10 acres of property, although it also sources from three local growers. The winery produces 60,000 bottles, of which 2/3 are white utilizing mainly the Malvasia grape variety. In addition to creating mainly cool wines, Ivica also playswith other blends and varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.

croatiaThe wines are often drunk at various state and regional functions and in 1998 they won a medal. Wines are distributed mainly in Croatia, with 10% sold on site where the winery price begins at 5 euros and increases to 12 euros for the more prestigious wines. The winery is a pioneer for the ‘niche’ market and it uses the Malvasia grape, typical to the Istria terroir, to create distinctive and unique wines in an inimitable style.

A barrel tasting of four wines, all of which were 2008 and 2009 vintages made with grapes that came from 2003-04 vines, included a well-balanced 2009 Malvasia, aged one year inbarrel that displayed great structure. Asuperb 2009 Malvasia, from 1986 vines situated 30 km. from the winery, spent one year in Acacia barrel and offers a beautiful nose, salty minerality, and a freshness that ends with a long finish.

2Further tastings introduced us to a wine that is,unfortunately, not on the market. The 2004 Alba Robinia, once it is allowed to breathe, rewards the palate with full body, good structure and well-balanced buttery notes.

The 2005 Alba Antica, 13.5% alcohol, of which only 800 bottles were produced, spent 30 months in wood. Its particular bouquet, with balsamic notes, is a great sipping wine reminiscent of dry sherry or white dry port. This is a wine to be discovered at the winery.

The 2008 Merlot (85% Merlot and 15% Terrano) an exceptionally well-balanced wine, with great structure and soft tannins, it is sold only at the winery.

To learn more about this winery, visit www.matosevic.com

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Anna Cavaliere

Anna Cavaliere, Editor/Writer Editor/Writer since 1992 for Enoteca Wine & Food Magazine (now Elite Wine, Food & Travel), Anna has reported on wine and food events from many of the world's wine regions: Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, France, Spain, Malta, Greece, Italy, U.S. and Canada. A member of the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers (F.I.J.E.V.), and I.F.W.T.W.A. (International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association). Anna feels particularly fortunate that she can write about her three passions: wine, food, and travel.

 

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