Crystalline clarity defines this wine: peach and apricot ripeness arrives wrapped in citrus and acacia-flower perfume, then the palate snaps into focus with pronounced salinity and bright acidity that tastes like sea minerals and clean stone. Off-dry in character, it shows exactly what happens when a winemaker refuses to obscure the vineyard's true voice.

The Winery — Matošević

Style: Bright, minerally white
Taste: Peach, apricot, citrus with saline snap and acacia florals
Food: Grilled fish, shellfish , fresh cheeses, herb salads
Occasion: Weeknight ; Sunday Lunch
Serve: Chilled, young and often
ABV: 12.5%

Ivica Matošević has earned his reputation as one of Croatia's defining winemakers through a lifetime bridging Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia and modern Croatia — his personal geography mirrors his wines' ability to balance old-world temperament with contemporary clarity. He was instrumental in establishing the Istrian appellation and remains a driving force in the region's quality revolution. The 2025 vintage brought more rain than usual, extending the growing season and sharpening fruit quality. After hand-harvesting vines aged 18 to 33 years from hillside limestone at 250–300 metres, grapes were gently pressed and fermented separately in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts, then aged on fine lees without oak or malolactic conversion — a deliberate choice to preserve volatile aromatics and varietal character. The vineyard follows organic practices with minimal pesticide use and no herbicides.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Drink this young and chilled, especially with grilled fish, shellfish, or alongside fresh cheeses and herb-dressed salads. It's perfect for weeknight suppers and Sunday lunches alike. If you love the briny, floral character of Malvasia, this belongs alongside the rest of our Light & Crispy White Wine selection, and it's a gateway into the broader energies we're finding across Croatia's emerging producers.

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