The 13th edition of the En Primeur of Young Malvasia was a spectacular showcase for the wines of Istria, held at the prestigious Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.
With over 70 winemakers from Istria in attendance, the event celebrated the latest vintage of Istrian Malvasia, an iconic white wine that has long been a symbol of the region. Alongside Istrian producers, winemakers from Kvarner also joined in the festivities, presenting their young Žlahtina wines.
As Luka Rossi, the president of Vinistra, noted, the event exemplified the strong spirit of unity among Istrian winemakers. “More than half of our association members come to Zagreb every year to present one of Istria’s symbols— Istrian Malvasia,” he said. “This is something unique, not just in the region, but potentially on a global scale.” The event showcased not only the wines but also the resilience of winemakers in the face of increasing costs and production challenges.
The 2024 vintage of Malvasia comes after a particularly difficult year, marked by a 30% decrease in yields, increased production costs, and labor shortages. Despite these setbacks, the price of the new vintage is expected to remain stable, thanks to the commitment of the region’s winemakers to maintaining high standards of quality.
Dr. Kristijan Damijanić from the University of Rijeka offered insights into the 2024 vintage, explaining that the year’s weather conditions—warm temperatures, rainfall during flowering, and a dry period—had led to a smaller but high-quality harvest. “The Malvasia wines are expected to be exceptional,” he said, “and the early harvest helped concentrate the flavors.”
A masterclass on the potential of the 2024 vintage was one of the key highlights of the event. Out of 48 samples presented, seven wines were selected as the most ready-to-drink, representing six distinct Istrian terroirs: southern, western, northwestern, northern, central, and eastern Istria. These wines stood out for their freshness, balance, and well-integrated structure—a testament to the ongoing improvement of Istrian viticulture.
Emil Perdec, a renowned sommelier, praised the wines for their ability to retain freshness and balance, which he believes will give the 2024 vintage great potential for global recognition. “Istrian winemakers have outshone the competition at global showcases with your 2023 vintage,” Perdec remarked. “The 2024 vintage is poised to follow suit, especially with the expansion of vineyards and production areas in the region.”
Tugomir Majdak, the State Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the region’s progress in viticulture and winemaking. “Croatian viticulture is making impressive strides, and the 2024 vintage of Malvasia will undoubtedly be another successful chapter in this ongoing evolution,” he said.
Reflecting on Istria’s journey over the past three decades, Istrian Prefect Boris Miletić praised the region’s transformation into a globally recognized wine destination. “Our winemakers have proven that Istria deserves its place among the top wine regions of the world,” he said. “Malvasia is not just a symbol; it’s a brand that has earned its reputation through years of dedication to excellence.”
The event closed on a high note, with more than 600 wine lovers in attendance, all eager to taste the new vintage and celebrate the remarkable progress of Istrian winemaking. As the region continues to focus on quality over quantity, the future of Istrian Malvasia looks bright, with an increasing international presence that promises continued success on the global stage.
Source: Vinistra