Cattunar Malvasia 2017

Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled.

The Cattunar family have been making wine in this part of western Istria for generations and even continued to grow grapes during the difficult years of communist rule when private enterprise was not permitted. Franco Cattunar and his wife Vesna currently work one of the region’s largest wineries with a total of 56 hectares and they have recently been joined by their daughter Nicole and son Edi who represent the next generation and the future of the estate.

This classic Croatian Malvasia is made with grapes grown on the Cattunar estate’s prized Zmergo vineyard which offers a snapshot of Istra’s four key soil types: white marl, terra rossa or red clay, and black and grey sandstone. This region enjoys abundant sunshine during the growing season which helps the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, while proximity to the glittering Adriatic sea provides cooling breezes which preserve acidity and ensure the finished wines are well-balanced and elegant.

Pour yourself a glass of this crisp white wine and you’ll immediately notice the intense stone fruit aromas and hints of acacia blossom, vanilla and hay. On the palate there’s plenty of freshness, a well-rounded mouthfeel and a rich white peach and tropical fruit flavours. Try serving it alongside pan-fried sea bream or a generous platter of fruit de mer to emphasise the light and breezy character of this easy-going wine.