Other packages we’ve presented to you have been as varied as possible, to include as much of diversity of Croatian wine scene in 6 bottles. This package, Istrian Red Wine Case is somewhat different, as it presents the best and the most interesting wines from the Istrian peninsula, a region that has made exceptional progress in the last two decades and has grown into wine powerhouse whose bottles can be found on the wine lists of famous restaurants in Europe. Each wine in this selection is a brand for itself, and combined they tell a tale of incredible diversity of the peninsula on the North-West of the Croatian shoreline. In the package, the following wines are included: Roxanich Teran Re 2008, Rossi Refošk Istarski 2011, Trapan Nigra Vigro Revolution 2014, Degrassi Cabernet Sauvignon Contarini 2012, Damjanić Clemente 2012 and Cuj Teran 2013.
Roxanich Teran Re 2008 is deep ruby coloured wine with aromas that suggest pronounced fruitiness and elements of spice, leather – sometimes this is called a “man’s wine”, as an opposite to wines that are sometimes called “lady’s wines”. Intriguing aromas, seems to show the meatiness of Merlot but also the rawer meat characters of Syrah. The wine has very fresh acidity, convincing flavour and firm but balanced tannins, especially after it is decanted properly.
Refošk istarski is an indigenous Croatian red grape, similar to but proven to be genetically separate from a better known variety, Teran. Rossi’s Refošk 2011 is ruby red, with the notes of berries such as cherries and black currants, then a little black pepper and vanilla from the wooden barrels, showing all of the potential this variety has, especially in Istria.
Trapan Nigra Vigro Revolution 2014 is a blended wine, presenting you with the freshness and violet from Teran, blackcurrant from Cabernet Sauvignon, the cheery of Syrah, finesse and raspberry from Merlot. Your palate will feel smoothness, freshness, fine tannins, minerality, and extremely complex flavour. However, Teran the flagship Trapan wine dominates and essentially determines this wine.
Degrassi Cabernet Sauvignon Contarini 2012 is from a location in Contarini, one of the best wine-growing areas in the so-called White Istria. It is steady and harmonious, with balanced juiciness, with discrete cranberry flavour and elegant minerality. The taste is powerful and quite warm, with a long end and hint of dark chocolate.
Damjanić Clemente 2012 is a blend, consisting of mostly Merlot and some Cabernet Sauvignon, Teran and a variety known in the rest of Croatia as Frankovka, in Istria called Borgonja. It’s a wine of very dark ruby red colour with purple reflections, rounded and soft, elegant and aromatic, with fresh fruit aromas of cherry, currant, blueberry, plum jam and cherry liqueur. Pronounced tannins encourage richness and freshness.
Cuj Teran 2013 is a rich and complex wine, with pleasant and seductive aromas of cherries and plums, accompanied by herbal notes. The wine is slightly sour, soft and hot, with a solid and elegant body, some tough and lively tannins and acidic character. The variety freshness makes the wine an ideal pair for Mediterranen dishes.
