A vibrant ruby wine that tastes alive on the palate. The nose moves between bramble and ripe plum with a whisper of chocolate spice, while the mouth reveals soft tannins and a mineral snap that lifts the finish. Fresh, generous and food-first — a red that needs no overthinking at the table.

The Winery — Matošević

Style: Fresh, mineral-edged Istrian blend
Taste: Red cherry, plum, bramble with soft tannins
Food: Roasts, pasta , aged cheeses, charcuterie
Occasion: Sunday lunch or date night
Serve: Room temperature, natural cork
ABV: 13.5%

Ivica Matošević, recognised by Steven Spurrier as Croatia's finest winemaker, has anchored his estate on minimal intervention and honest winemaking. The Brdo vineyard in Central Istria — steep limestone slopes at 260–300 metres with proximity to Lake Butoniga — lends the wine its character. For the 2021 vintage, warm, dry conditions favoured ripe, healthy grapes without heaviness. Matošević hand-picked and sorted every bunch, fermenting on skins for two weeks before 15 months in used oak barrels, a choice that softens rather than masks the fruit's natural voice. Organic methods throughout: no herbicides, mechanical cultivation only, organic fertiliser. Vegan and vegetarian friendly.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This is a wine that works. Merlot anchors the blend at 60%, bringing dark berry roundness, while Teran (30%) adds the saline structure that defines the best Istrian reds, and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) completes the composition. Pair with roasted meats, rich pasta, aged cheeses or charcuterie boards — anywhere you need a wine that's both refined and approachable. Perfect for Sunday lunch or an evening with friends. Explore more of our Matošević selection to discover the full range of this Istrian corner.

Explore the cellar: Merlot · Matošević · Cabernet Sauvignon

Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.