Matošević Alba Malvazija Istarska 2024
This wine is straw yellow in colour. On the nose, there are aromas of ripe peach, apricot, and citrus complemented by floral notes of acacia flowers and chamomile. On the palate, pronounced salinity and refreshing acidity results in a clean, elegant finish.
The vineyards are located in the Istria wine region at 250-300 metres above sea level on limestone, marlstone and sandstone soils. The area is characterised by a Mediterranean climate, with mild and rainy winters followed by dry, hot summers. The vines are between 18 to 33 years of age and harvesting is done by hand. Minimal pesticides and no herbicides are used, and organic practices are followed in the vineyards.
After manual sorting and destemming, the grapes were gently pressed in a pneumatic press to yield a very clear juice. This was left to settle and was then fermented in stainless-steel vats. Grapes from specific vineyard plots were fermented separately with their indigenous yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on its fine lees until January to develop complexity. Blending of single vineyard vats took place in late January and the wine was bottled in February. This wine saw no oak or malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the bright varietal aromas.
| RRP | £22.99 |
| Bottle size | 75cl |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Alcoholic strength | 12.5% |
| Country | Croatia |
| Region | Istria |
| Grapes | Malvasia Istriana 100% |
| Residual sugar (g/l) | 2 |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Double Disk |
Described by the late Steven Spurrier as "Croatia’s best winemaker", Ivica Matošević has established himself as a force of nature in the country’s turbulent yet burgeoning wine industry. “My grandfather was born in Austria, my father was born in Italy, I was born in Yugoslavia and my daughter was born in Croatia. We were all born in the same house” says Ivica, recounting the last 100 years of his family history. Spirited by the emergence of the Istrian wine scene, which followed the fall of Yugoslavia in the early ‘90s, and driven by an unbridled passion, Ivica Matošević diverted his career from a PhD in agriculture to winemaking. This passion is reflected in his wines, which are exuberant, fresh, and true to their nature, as well as in what he has achieved for the reputation of Croatian wine. Widely recognised among his peers as one of the leaders of Croatia’s quality wine revolution, he was instrumental in establishing the Istrian appellation.
Ivica has also played a large role in championing Croatia’s native grape variety, Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana), coaxing out its complex herbal, mineral and slightly bitter almond characteristics.
