Kozlović Malvasia
Winery: Kozlović
Classification: Dry white wine
Varietals: 100% Malvazija Istrijana
Appellation: Northern Istria, Croatia
Density & Yield: 5,000 vines/ha; 1.5-2 kg/vine
Annual Production: 150,000 bottles
Alcohol: 13%
Climate: Mediterranean, with dry and hot summers, and mild winters
Terrain: Hilly vineyards in small areas called Valle, Santa Lucia, and Kontarini, with southern sun exposure, at an altitude of approximately 240 meters. The area, much like the rest of Istria, Croatia, is made up of gently rolling hills with what the Istrians like to call “Terra Bianca,” or “White Soil” – a combination of flysch, limestone, and white clay.
Farming: Minimal amount of spraying, as needed, only with substances approved for sustainable farming in Istria, Croatia.
Vinification: Grapes were hand-harvested, de-stemmed, followed by one night of maceration, and then fermented in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation was done through high-grade (non-commercial) yeasts. Prior to bottling, blended with approximately 2% of Malvasia that was fermented and aged in oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Gianfranco Kozlović's Malvasia is one of the most classic and authentic examples of Istrian Malvasias. An extremely fragrant nose of acacia flowers, bananas, peach, apples, pears, citrus and herbs. The acidity leaves your palate with mouthwatering freshness and fruitiness, intense minerality spiced with slight saltiness, and citrus fruit acidity.
We would recommend paring with scampi risotto, white fish, scallops, pasta with meat or seafood – or even a nice creamy sauce with mushrooms or truffles, chicken on rice, sushi, various Japanese seafood dishes, a famous Istrian pasta called fuži with light goulash meat (veal and beef) sauce.
Winery Information
Kozlović
Gianfranco Kozlović is the largest private producer of Malvasia in Istria, and a vocal crusader for quality. The family has been working these vineyards that dot the hillsides of northern Istria for several generations.
