Hey wine lovers! To continue with our unforgettable trip to Istria where we explored picturesque towns, indulged in local cuisine, and sipped some of the finest wines the region has to offer. This trip was packed with fascinating wineries, exceptional food pairings, and some of the most breathtaking views of the Istrian countryside. If you’re looking for details about the full itinerary, be sure to check out our previous article Click here!
In this post, we’ll dive into the standout Istrian towns where the wineries are located and highlight some fantastic food and wine pairings that will make you want to pack your bags and head straight to Istria.
Poreč and AgroLaguna Winery
Our base for the trip was Poreč, a lively coastal town with rich Roman and Venetian influences. Here, we first visited AgroLaguna, one of Istria’s most established wineries. We kicked off our tasting with their Festigia Blanc de Moi, a crisp blend of Malvazija Istarska and Pinot Blanc. This refreshing wine is the perfect match for Istrian seafood specialties like grilled octopus or marinated anchovies, with its citrusy notes cutting through the rich flavours of the sea.
Another highlight was the Vina Laguna 2023 Malvazija Istarska, one of Croatia’s best-sellers. Its apple and citrus aromas pair wonderfully with fuži with truffles, Istria’s famous pasta dish. The wine’s slight bitterness beautifully complements the earthy richness of the truffles – a match made in foodie heaven.
Buje and Franković Winery
Next, we headed inland to Buje to visit the family-owned Franković Winery, a charming estate nestled among rolling hills. Here, we sipped on Pjenusac Stella, a sparkling wine with a rich and complex taste. For dinner, this paired perfectly with traditional Istrian pasta topped with truffles, a local delicacy that enhanced the wine’s full-bodied character.
In the winery’s cellar, we sampled their Malvazija Istarska, that had a distinct peach and pineapple aroma. This bright, fruity wine would be the ideal companion for scampi na buzaru (scampi in tomato and white wine sauce), offering a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness.
For the main course, we had roasted lamb paired with Vina Franković Teran, a bold red wine with wild berry notes. Teran is a dream match for hearty Istrian meat dishes like pašticada, a traditional slow-cooked beef stew. The wine’s tannins complement the dish’s depth of flavour, creating a harmonious pairing.
We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Moscato Luna D’Oro 2021, a semi-dry dessert wine with hints of Turkish delight and rose water aromas. Paired with rožata, a Croatian custard dessert similar to crème caramel, with its sweet, floral notes balancing the creamy texture of the dessert.
Umag and Konoba Buščina
On day two, we visited Umag, a picturesque coastal town famous for its stunning beaches and home to the Michelin-recommended Konoba Buščina restaurant. The wines from Matošević Winery stole the show during lunch. One standout was the Matošević Alba Robinia 2020, a 100% Malvazija Istarska aged in acacia barrels. With its floral notes and a hint of honey, it was an excellent pairing for our seafood feast: cold fish plate, ravioli with fish and truffles, and fish fillet with truffles. The wine’s freshness and floral character enhanced the different fish flavours without overpowering them.
Vizinada and Rossi Winery
On day three, we ventured to Vizinada, a hilltop village offering spectacular views over the Istrian landscape. At the family-run Rossi Winery, we sampled their Malvazija Istarska, Templará Monte D’Oro and Monte d’Oro Riserva, both of which were paired with a delightful selection of locals cheeses and cold-dried fruits.
The creamy texture and subtle oak influence of the Templará Monte D’Oro could make a perfect march for manestra, a traditional Istrian bean and corn stew. The wine’s structure lifts the earthy tones of the dish.
Bale and Meneghetti Wine Hotel and Resort
In the historical town of Bale, we visited the luxurious Meneghetti Wine Hotel and Resort. We were welcomed with their Meneghetti Reserva 2016 Brut, a sparkling wine with notes of cherry and strawberry. This wine would pair wonderfully with pršut, Istria’s famed dry-cured ham.
A vertical tasting introduced us to the Meneghetti White 2015, a sophisticated blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, with aromas of melon and nuts. This creamy, well-rounded wine would pair beautifully with Istarska jota, a traditional sauerkraut and bean stew.
For lunch, we had seafood pasta followed by a succulent grilled beef striploin to perfection, paired with Val Gambalera 2015. This bold blend of premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, brought out the rishness of the beef with its peppery, spicy notes.
Momjan and Kabola Winery
Located on a hilltop near the village of Momjan, Kabola Winery is famous for its use of amphorae in winemaking, a method dating back to Roman times. Their Kabola Re Brut – a sparkling wine made from Malvazija Istarska, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir – was a standout. Its vibrant acidity and notes of pear and lemon would pair beautifully with bakalar na bijelo, a traditional Croatian dish of cod mashed with garlic and olive oil.
We also tested their amphora-aged Malvazija Istarska, with complex aromas of dried fruit and almond, with a rich, intense finish. This wine would be an ideal companion for boškarin (Istrian ox) steaks, as its robust flavours stand up well to the richness of the meat.
Buje and Kozlović Winery
Our final stop was back in Buje, at the renowned Kozlović Winery, where we enjoyed a refreshing Sparkling Rosé from Teran 2017. This dry, vibrant rosé would be a fantastic pairing with fritaja, an Istrian-style omelette filled with wild asparagus and local herbs. The wine’s acidity and freshness balance the richness of the eggs and herbs, making for a perfect brunch pairing.
The star of the tasting for us was the 2015 Malvazija Santa Lucia, a golden-hued wine with floral and dried fruit aromas. This mature wine later for dinner paired perfectly with fuži with truffle sauce, showing once more how Istria’s most celebrated grape and its traditional dishes are a match made in heaven.
Istria is a paradise for wine and food lovers, offering not only stunning landscapes but also an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re sipping a fresh Malvazija Istarska by the coast or enjoying a bold Teran in a hilltop village, the food and wine pairings of Istria will leave you wanting more. From coastal towns like Poreč and Umag to charming villages like Buje and Bale, Istria’s culinary wonders await. Cheers to discovering the best of Istria, one sip and bite at a time!