Wine and winemakers are transforming Istria, sending a signal to the rest of the nation
As tradition dictates, May and June are the most important wine touring months. A time of wine presentations, departing barrels and entering daily life. In terms of Croatia, the most important events are in Istria, beginning with Vinistra wine show, writes Novi List on June 11, 2016.
A novelty this year is the inclusion of Gianfranco Kozlović, one of the most appreciated Croatian winemakers, into the unofficial “bible” of the best wineries of the world, a luxurious monograph signed by Paolo Basso, once the best sommelier in the world.
Kozlović finds himself alongside 66 others selected by Basso and the only one from Croatia. The recognition comes as confirmation of the well chosen path taken 20 years ago by Kozlović and his family. Not restricting themselves to wine production, the family wants to venture into tourism. They have created nine tourism programs starting from standards such as introduction to the winery and wines, ranging to especially intimate dinners on the winery roof or taking the guests to the vineyards, specifically the Santa Lucia location, the source of some the best Croatian wines.
“The move by the Kozlović family is a continuation and confirmation of the story started last year by Istraturist, a program that supports current tendencies in tourism: originality of a territory, but also the active participation of guests in it. Here we’re talking about the “Wine&Walk” event that takes place after Vinistra. The process includes touring wineries and vineyards, but also a classical art gallery, with over 10 kilometres of walking,” explained Irma Tripar, sales director of Istra Experience by Istraturist.
Wine has regenerated Istria, as could be seen this May. And the Istrian recipe could be applied to all of Croatia. This is seen not only in the recognition of Kozlović, but also in the incredible 96 points awarded at Decanter’s last competition to the Teran of Veralda winery from Brtonigla, owned by Luciano Visintin, celebrated just a day ahead of Kozlović’s announcement.
Let us see if any of the highest political levels dares to say Croatian agriculture stands no chance against European agricultural forces. Luckily, Istrian winemakers have proven them wrong, giving hope to the rest of the state territories.
