27/07/2023
I had an extremely privileged experience of a vertical tasting spanning 2022 to 2008 of Malvasia Istria style at Matosevic in Croatia. Described by the late Steven Spurrier as "Croatiaās best winemaker", Ivica MatoÅ”eviÄ has established himself as a force of nature in the countryās burgeoning wine industry. Most consumers as with many wines like to consume fresh from release. It takes time and patience cellaring but the rewards are worth the wait. Cellaring also doesnāt need to be constrained to high end wines as this wine I am selling at Ā£15.95.
The tasting! Off the bat 2022 you have stone peach, citrus peel, floral bouquet backed up by fresh acidity. The development through ages you taste the honeyed fruit, almond notes, saline notes and floral exuberance coming through and mellowing of the acidity. It was interesting to taste how the acidity prevailed in the wetter vintage years which resulted in them almost defying their age.
The Antiqua is barrel fermented with extra ageing only in exceptional years that adds spice notes that makes it extremely friendly for food pairing. Tasted both the 2016 & 2018. Adds complexity in a unique way.
The 2019 āGrimaldaā Red is the first organic certified vintage of this Teran, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon blend from a terraced, sunny, single vineyard in Central Istria, near the village of Grimalda. This wine has elegance and balance with the international grape varieties complementing the local Teran.
Highly recommended wines to get a taste of Istria!
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