HARMONY OF SEA AND LAND
This is the northernmost part of the Mediterranean, where the warm sea touches the heart of Central Europe. A place where the Slavic, Roman, and Germanic worlds intertwine. In recent decades, it has established itself as a premium wine & food region, affectionately called "Croatian Tuscany." The beautiful islands of the northern Adriatic, the belle epoque resorts of Kvarner and Istrian medieval towns beckon with indescribable charm and exude harmony. The peace and simplicity of rural life in this area attracts hedonists from all over the world. Formerly abandoned villages host elite boutique hotels and villas - the stages of sophisticated hedonism in a refined authentic ambience.
This area will delight you with the richness of its wine styles, as well as a range of top gastronomical techniques inspired by tradition and diverse localities, made with ecologically produced ingredients. Istria and Kvarner bring you a wealth of cultural and historical heritage of world significance, that perfectly encapsulates what’s in the glass and on the plate.
ISTRIA & KVARNER - BY THE GLASS!
Over the last 20-30 years, the winemakers and olive growers of this area have demonstrated great leadership in the quality revolution that has increasingly placed Croatia, particularly Istria and Kvarner, on the map of prestigious wine & food destinations. Vineyards of terre bianche and terre rosse (types of soil) spread troughout the scenic landscapes, scattered under the walls of Istrian medieval towns and villages.
The icons of this region are the white istrian malvasia made in variety of styles, aromatic and sweet muscats of Momjan and Poreč, lively žlahtina and red, concentrated and tannic teran and refosco. Fresh still and sparkling wines meet complex wood-aged wines made of both Istrian and a range of international varieties. This region will repeatedly demonstrate and prove itself as the new gem of the global wine scene.
CUISINE OF ISTRIA & KVARNER
The region has been strategically developing its image as a prestigious wine & food destination for decades. It delights with a range of top-quality gastronomy based on folk traditions and domestic, ecologically produced foods. Its relative proximity to principal industrial regions of Europe, where numerous gourmands make pilgrimages from, contributes to the escapist image of a mystical and romantic land.
It is famous for the cold-pressed, premium-quality olive oils whose intense spiciness and aroma are some of the most awarded in the world. Truffles sourced from local forests rival those of Italy and can season numerous dishes such as fuži or omelettes. Add to this the excellent aged cheeses, delicacies from the Istrian cattle boškarin, homemade pastas, varitey of seafood, traditional stew maneštra and local cakes like the one from the island of Rab - the list seems to be endless. And it's yours to discover.
