We respect your privacy
Tasting of young Malvasias organized by Vinistra draws an impressive number of winemakers, experts, and distributors. Despite temperature shock, last year’s harvest produced excellent wines with high expectations.
Malvazija istarska has once again demonstrated its remarkable resilience. Although the viticultural year was meteorologically demanding, last year’s harvest resulted in healthy grapes and outstanding quality. This was highlighted at the traditional presentation of young Malvazija istarska En Primeur, organized by the Vinistra association at the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb.
Through a selection of the most representative samples, attendees were guided by Dr. sc. Kristijan Damijanić from the University of Applied Sciences in Rijeka, Department of Agriculture Poreč, and Emil Perdec, sommelier and F&B manager at Plava Laguna, confirming that Istria has an exceptional wine year ahead.
Fresh, balanced and aromatic
“Malvazija's from the 2025 vintage display pronounced aromatics, strong varietal characteristics, and dominant pleasant, sweet fruity aromas intertwined with floral or floral–herbal notes. They have retained freshness that is well integrated into the structure and body, are well balanced, and mirror their aromatic profiles,” emphasized Damijanić and Perdec.
They presented seven of the “most ready” Malvazija which, according to the expert panel, best described the diverse terroirs of the peninsula. Among the selected wineries were Dešković, Enoist, Benazić, Veralda, Benvenuti, Kadum, and Defratta.
This year’s En Primeur brought together as many as 64 Istrian winemakers, who premiered the promise of the 2025 vintage. En Primeur has long since grown beyond a classic tasting and has become an important meeting point for winemakers, professionals, distributors, hospitality representatives, and the wider wine public.
“The 2025 harvest has produced wines from which much can rightfully be expected. The viticultural year unfolded almost ideally, and the young Malvazija's are characterized by freshness, balance, and expressive aromatics,” emphasized Luka Rossi, President of Vinistra, the association of Istrian winemakers and vinegrowers, at the opening.
Young winemakers as the driving force of Istria
Satisfaction with the event—which attracts more visitors every year—was also expressed by Tugomir Majdak, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Ezio Pinzan, Head of the Department of Agriculture of the Istrian County.
“Your Malvazijas and Žlahtinas have always been top-quality wines that delight not only tables in Croatia but also around the world. At the Ministry, we recognize your effort and dedication to preserving tradition and quality, and Vinistra is an example of how combining innovation and authenticity can elevate the reputation of Croatian wine on a global level. You have our full support, and we can count on a partnership in further strengthening this brand,” said Majdak.
“I am pleased that young wineries are, in a very short time, catching up with our well-known and respected wineries, which are the locomotive of winemaking in Croatia and the region, as well as of our Malvazija. After Graševina, Malvazija is the second most widespread variety in Croatia, and what makes us happy is that new winemakers are joining every year and that the quality keeps improving,” emphasized Ezio Pinzan.
Vinistra travels to Wine Paris
This event also served as a perfect prelude to the association’s international activities. Vinistra, the oldest and most significant wine association in Croatia, bringing together more than 120 members, continues strong promotion on the global stage. The next important stop is the prestigious Wine Paris fair, taking place from February 9 to 11.
At Vinistra’s stand in Paris, 13 wineries will be presented, along with two exclusive masterclasses that will further strengthen Istria’s reputation as a top wine region and provide insight into the diversity of its indigenous varieties. The different faces of Malvazija will be presented by renowned wine critic Caroline Gilby, while Istrian winemaking will be introduced by Claire Cocks, editor of Decanter magazine, together with Luka Rossi and Ivan Marić from Vinistra.
Tickets for the 32nd Vinistra available online
For everyone wishing to experience Istrian wine magic firsthand, this year’s Vinistra event will take place in Poreč from May 8 to 10. Tickets are already available on the link, and given the potential shown by the young Malvazijas, a record visitor turnout is expected.