Kozlović Malvasia Santa Lucia
Winery: Kozlović
Varietals: 100% Malvazija Istrijana
Appellation: West Istria, Croatia - single vineyard, Santa Lucia
Annual Production: 1,000 bottles
Alcohol: 13.5%
Climate: Mediterranean, with dry and hot summers, and mild winters
Terrain: Hilly vineyards in small areas called Valle, Santa Lucia, and Kontarini, with southern sun exposure, at an altitude of approximately 240 meters. The area, much like the rest of Istria, Croatia, is made up of gently rolling hills with what the Istrians like to call “Terra Bianca,” or “White Soil” – a combination of flysch, limestone, and white clay.
Farming: Minimal amount of spraying, as needed, only with substances approved for sustainable farming in Istria, Croatia.
Vinification: Hand-harvested from single vineyard Santa Lucia, with up to 70 year old vines. The wine is de-stemmed, and undergoes cold maceration for 5-6 days, and then transferred to 30hL acacia oak barrels for 6 months, and then 6 months in in stainless steel tanks, before bottling and ageing for 3 years before release.
Tasting Notes: Santa Lucia is the peak expression of Malvasia Istriana, coming from some of the oldest vines in the region, with one of the oldest family winery traditions in Istria. From the winery: “If our regular Malvasia is our most important wine, then Santa Lucia is the wine where we are determined to show the sheer potential of our beloved Istrian treasure, its heights, its beauty. A wine with potential for ageing for at least a decade.
On the first sight it shows deeper golden colour with a nice brilliance. Nose is quite pronounced, attractive, immediately displaying a plethora of aromas such as acacia, vanilla, bread, fine oak, gingerbread. There is plenty of floral character and ripe yellow fruits, ripe peaches and apricots. Wine is clearly in the top shape: beautifully knit in refined, complex sensation and firmly communicating from the first sniff its varietal character of Malvazija Istriana. Dry on the palate with incredible dense but light oily texture, which is pleasant to swirl around the mouth. Full bodied with complex character with dominant flowery notes. Oak aging is finely present, well-knit. Acidities are moderate, yet assuring plenty of freshness. Character on the palate stays beautifully complex and represents a clear continuation of what was found on the nose. It is huge, but not heavy at all, aerial. Very tasty, very drinkable with touch of salinity. Another remarkable example of Santa Lucia vineyard and Malvazija Istriana grape. Top!”
Pair with rich and creamy dishes, fish with cream sauce, grilled scallops, mushroom risotto, pasta with rich sauces, and so many other flavorful compliments.
Winery Information
Kozlović
Gianfranco Kozlović is the largest private producer of Malvasia in Istria, and a vocal crusader for quality. The family has been working these vineyards that dot the hillsides of northern Istria for several generations.