Taste top-quality Croatian wines in Opatija

Istrian wines

As one of Croatia's most developed wine-producing regions, Istria boasts some high-quality indigenous grape varieties: Malvazija istarska, Teran and Muškat (white) momjanski. In addition, certain well-known international varieties are grown in Istria, including the red merlot and cabernet sauvignon, and white ones like Chardonnay, Pinot blanc and Pinot gris. The area's unique soil, climate and geographical location, combined with the individual approach of each winemaker, has made Istrian wines highly appreciated throughout the world.

The best-known Istrian white wine is definitely Malvazija. Although some winemakers leave Malvazija to age, such as Giorgio Clai and Mladen Roxanich, this wine is best when served fresh with fish dishes, scampi, or the essential Istrian maneštra (a thick soup with beans, corn and dried meat). When it comes to red wines, we highly recommend sampling the local variety of Teran, which goes perfectly with red meat: beefsteak or "boskarin" (indigenous Istrian ox).

Credit for the revival of winemaking in Istria goes to the Vinistra association of Istrian winemakers, whose IQ label stands for Istrian Quality and is awarded only to high-quality and premium wines. The traditional annual Vinistra wine fair, which takes place every year at the beginning of May, is a perfect opportunity to learn more about Istrian wines and cuisine. Another important brand is Agrolaguna from Poreč, whose wines have won numerous awards for quality at international competitions.

Vrbnicka zlahtina

Apart from Istria, another famous wine region for the production of high-quality Croatian wines is the nearby island of Krk, which is best known for its Vrbnicka zlahtina. This wine is made from an indigenous grape variety that grows only on the island of Krk, which is used to produce a particularly high-quality dry white wine. Žlahtina is a perfect companion to sheep's milk cheese, all kinds of fish and seafood specialities (particularly oysters), and white meat dishes.

Sample the best Croatian wines in Opatija

Some of the top Croatian wines can be sampled in Opatija. All of the town's high-quality hotels and restaurants have extensive wine lists from which you can choose a wine to your taste, and the professional staff will help you choose the wine that is the best companion to your dish. We highly recommend tasting some of our award-winning wines:

• Zlatna vrbnicka zlahtina
• Agrolaguna Cabernet Sauvignon Festigia 2006
• Agrolaguna Merlot Festigia 2007
• Ottocento white by Giorgio Clai
• Roxanich malvazija Antica
• Malvazija amfora Kabola