Unveiling Istria’s wine gem in the birthplace of Malvasia in Monemvasia, Greece

by croatiaweek
June 16, 2023
in Food & Wine

(Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

Istria has made the biggest leap in the Mediterranean when it comes to Malvasia, as confirmed at the first Malvasia Festival in Greece.

The Croatian region of Istria is synonymous with Malvasia. It covers over 60% of Istrian vineyards, and it is the most awarded Croatian wine at international competitions. It is also highly sought after in the Croatian gourmet scene and tourism.

Ivica Matošević, an acclaimed Istrian winemaker and one of the founders of Vinistra, as well as a member of the Supervisory Board of this association of winemakers and vineyard owners, presented the most famous Istrian variety at the first Malvasia Festival held in Monemvasia, Greece, from June 9 to 11.

(Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

The fact is that Istrian winemakers have achieved in a very short time, in just about thirty years, what took centuries in some wine regions. They have turned a relatively unknown variety into a brand and set an example of good practice for the entire Mediterranean region, where Malvasia is cultivated.

(Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

Malvasia is the oldest wine brand in the world

“Malvasia is a unique variety; there is no wine story like it in the world wine heritage. But collaborative work always brings more, especially when it comes to wine. Synergy and friendship are true values, and wine lovers appreciate our passion and enthusiasm,” said Matošević in Greece.

Ivica Matošević (Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

Director of Vinistra, Ivan Marić, presented Vinistra’s work, the wine exhibition of the same name, the recently held Concours Mondial de Buxelles in Poreč, as well as the World Malvasia Championship, which breaks records every year in terms of the number of samples and in which Greek Malvasias also participate. Marić emphasised that Malvasia is the oldest wine brand in the world.

(Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

Malvasia Myth

At the Festival in Monemvasia, the Greeks had the opportunity to taste famous Malvasias from Istria, and there was great interest at the Istrian stand, receiving praise from all sides.

(Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

The visit to Greece was organized as part of the Malvasia Myth project, which brings together partners from Croatia, Italy, and Greece, with the aim of valorizing Malvasia.

(Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

“The project’s goal is to create an international Malvasia brand that will contribute to the promotion of the involved areas and winemakers, and consequently strengthen Istria’s position as a quality wine region,” added Iva Jekić, the head of the Local Action Group (LAG) of Central Istria.

(Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

The project, which has become part of Iter Vitis, a certified wine cultural route by the Council of Europe, brings together different destinations and promotes wine tourism.

(Photo: Malvasia Festival Monemvasia 2023)

Thanks to the LAG of Central Istria, as one of the project holders of Malvasia Myth, Istria has once again had the opportunity to present itself as an attractive wine region on the international scene.