Grimalda Red 2018/19, Matošević, Istria

Pure, juicy and very mouthwatering. A pretty versatile wine, things like grilled pork, or lamb dishes are especially good pairings.

Istria sits at the top end of the Adriatic sea opposite Venice and has been a major wine producing area going back centuries. Today it’s a region that’s starting to get some deserved recognition in international markets. Winemaker Ivica Matoševic is passionate about his business and this certainly shows in his wines. The vineyards for this wine are sited around the central Istrian village of Grimalda on steep and sunny southerm facing slopes where only a minimum of pesticides and no herbicides are used.

The wine is a blend of 60% Merlot with 30% Teran, a widely grown variety in these parts, and a little Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation it was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels before blending and further ageing in stainless steel. It has piquant hints of spice, black fruit and oak aromas on the nose while, on the palate, it’s dry with medium acidity and generously full body with flavours of red berries, sour cherries and chocolate that really bring it to life.