In the latest edition of the most renowned wine magazine, a 14-page feature titled 'Croatia 2023' was published in collaboration with Vinistra and the Croatian National Tourist Board. A great lover of Istrian wines and Master of Wine, Caroline Gilby, wrote in the newly published feature on Croatia in the latest Decanter that all four of our wine regions deserve full attention, with the emphasis on Istria as the most famous Croatian wine region.

This esteemed Decanter contributor described Istria as a region of independent spirit, a place where authentic wines are produced, and the Istrian landscape as dramatic with medieval villages on hills, olive groves, and vineyards everywhere.

Exceptional Malvasias and Terans

Gilby particularly highlighted Istrian Malvasia, which occupies more than 55 percent of Istrian vineyards, with a detailed description of its spectrum - from exceptional fresh to powerful aged wines.

In addition to this most famous autochthonous Istrian variety, she also dedicated special attention to the autochthonous Teran, which, she wrote, can be both a beauty and a beast.

"Top modern versions are dark purple in color with juicy aromas of raspberry and blueberry, along with pronounced freshness. In aromatic, deeply colored rosés, you will discover a wealth of vibrant, fruity flavors," wrote Gilby about Teran wines.

Among other grape varieties, she highlighted the autochthonous Muscats - Momjan, Rose, and Yellow, and also mentioned Merlot, quoting an Istrian winemaker who said that with it, Istria can enter the Champions League.

Decanter's Arrival in Croatia Announced

As part of the collaboration with Vinistra, Istria will host a special Decanter tasting in July next year, featuring all Croatian award-winning wines from Decanter's competition. This unique event will be attended by some of the world's most esteemed wine experts, as announced in the feature.

Vinistra celebrates its 30th anniversary next year

"The authors had complete independence in writing their texts, and we are especially delighted with their experience of Istria and Istrian wines, as well as other Croatian wine regions. This is another confirmation that Malvasia and Teran are well-known Istrian brands, and our peninsula is an attractive wine destination with numerous Decanter awards and the first in Croatia to host the famous Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition in May," emphasized Luka Rossi, President of Vinistra, the association of Istrian vineyards and winemakers, announcing a spectacular celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Vinistra association and the eponymous exhibition, which will traditionally take place in the Žatika Hall in Poreč from May 10 to 12 next year.

Visit Istria - a wine lover's tour

In addition to the most popular regional wine exhibition, Decanter's feature also briefly covered the spring Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, for which the Vinistra association was an excellent host, thus opening the doors of Croatia to this prestigious evaluation.

Caroline Gilby wrote about our wine peninsula, and Jane Foster wrote about her Istrian wine lover's route, which includes Pula, Buje, Bale, Rovinj, Motovun ..., while Simon J Woolf provided an overview of the other three Croatian regions - Dalmatia, Hilly Croatia, Slavonia, and Croatian Danube."