The region of western Istria is said to be one of the nicest, most developed and romantic parts of Croatia. In Ferenci, a village near Vižinada (also a small wonderful picturesque Istrian place) people are mostly working on their land, agriculture, olives and vineyards are the main industries. In the recent years the tourism has also started going inland, away from the coastline, and making good wine has always been an integral part of tourism in Istria. One of the families making the steps in that direction are the Deklić family. The family has been making wines since the 1920-es, and the newest generation, very young brothers Dino and David have taken the family vineyards and wine production. And in the last few years, they have managed to make several great steps forward, making some of the most exciting wine in this part of Croatia.
The red soil of Vižinada, excellent wine-making climate, perfect elevation and southern orientation of most of the family’s 17 hectares of vineyards are an optimal combination to produce the grapes of the highest quality, and combining that with modern approach and methods gives great wines. And that’s exactly what Deklić brothers are doing: while respecting the tradition of how their ancestors made wine (especially what the grandfather taught them!) they manage to balance the best of the newest technologies in their very modern wine cellar – in the old family house! They have also started applying some new techniques, which have not been used by the family before, such as aging the wines in oak, prolonged maceration etc., and the results have been promising thus far.
It’s not much of a surprise that a winery in western Istria makes has most vineyards and the greatest production of malvazija. Their malvazija is elegant, not too alcoholic, and not too flowery (as they sometimes get). They also bottle excellent harmonious chardonnay, making the best out of the Istrian red soil, full-bodied and refreshing. Muškat žuti is also a part of family tradition, and theirs is not too sweet, as muškats tend to be. Their red, cabernet sauvignon is nice and elegant, nicely mineral and could probably develop a bit further with years of experience. They also make a rose, very refreshing for an easy afternoon drinking on a lovely terrace overlooking the vineyards.
