2023 Piquentum Malvasia

This 100% Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana) wine is produced in Istria, Croatia, where vineyards are established on diverse soils—including predominantly white flysch, iron‐rich limestone, and iron‐rich red soils—that express both coastal and inland terroirs. In some vineyard blocks the proximity to coastal influences imparts a characteristic salinity, while inland sites in rugged, forested and truffle‐inflected areas contribute distinct mineral and earthy nuances. The winemaking approach utilizes minimal intervention techniques: select lots undergo 3–4 days of skin contact in open vats, with fermentation carried out using native yeasts and spontaneous activity. Fermentation is typically managed with a combination of 70% barrel (or barrique) and 30% stainless steel vessels, though some expressions are aged in concrete to further emphasize a sense of place. Production may involve maceration for a few days before blending operations in May and subsequent bottling in June, reflecting a respect for tradition and the unique characteristics of the regional terroir, as championed by winemaker Dimitri Brečević (also noted as Dimitrije Brečević).