Zagreb is set to host one of the most anticipated wine events of the year: the 13th edition of the En Primeur of Young Malvasias.
Organized by the Vinistra Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Istria, the event will take place on February 10, 2024, at the prestigious Esplanade Hotel Zagreb.
Traditionally held just before Valentine’s Day, this one-day event brings together around 70 Istrian winemakers to present the 2024 harvest of young Malvasia wines—wines that have not yet been bottled. These young wines will be showcased to an exclusive audience of business partners, distributors, restaurateurs, chefs, wine critics, and, of course, wine lovers. This year, the event will also feature young Žlahtina wines from several winemakers in Kvarner, expanding the tasting experience beyond Istria's borders.
A Growing Passion for Malvasia
“We are extremely excited about the new edition of En Primeur. After last year’s record-breaking event, visitors had the chance to taste over 60 Malvasia and Žlahtina wines,” said Luka Rossi, president of Vinistra. Despite the challenges faced by the industry—including an average yield drop of 30%, rising production costs, and labor shortages—the price of the new harvest is expected to remain stable. The continued growing interest in Malvasia wines is a testament to the quality and uniqueness of this varietal, which is increasingly appreciated both domestically and internationally.
The 2024 En Primeur event promises to offer a glimpse of what’s to come with the new Malvasia harvest. Guests will have the opportunity to preview the young wines that will soon hit the market, while a masterclass will provide in-depth knowledge of Malvasia wines from Istria’s different sub-regions. The official release of the 2024 Malvasia harvest is scheduled for April, and this event serves as the perfect prelude to that release.
En Primeur: A Unique Wine Experience
The concept of En Primeur—first introduced by Vinistra in 2012—has become a staple in Croatia’s wine scene. Inspired by similar events in France, the tasting gives wine enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to sample wines that are still in their early stages, offering a preview of what the upcoming harvest has to offer. The event is divided into two main parts: from 1 PM to 4 PM, wine professionals will enjoy the tasting, followed by a public session from 4 PM to 7 PM. As with previous editions, the event is free to attend, but online registration is required to secure entry.
This year’s event is shaping up to be even more exciting, with an expanded lineup of winemakers from Istria and Kvarner. It is a unique opportunity for wine lovers to connect with the people behind some of Croatia’s finest wines and learn about the intricate process of crafting Malvasia and Žlahtina wines.
What to Expect at the 13th En Primeur of Young Malvasias
Wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are eager to discover the flavors and aromas of this year’s young Malvasias. The Istrian region, known for its rich winemaking tradition, continues to evolve, and the 2024 harvest promises to bring fresh and exciting wines to the table.
While details of what the winemakers have in store remain under wraps, one thing is certain: this will be an unforgettable event for anyone passionate about Croatian wine. The En Primeur tasting is a rare chance to experience the next generation of Istrian wines before they officially hit the market.
Save the date for February 10, 2024, and prepare for a remarkable day of wine discovery at the 13th En Primeur of Young Malvasias at the Esplanade Hotel Zagreb. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting celebration of Croatia’s finest wines!
Source: Vinistra