Matosevic Grimalda Red

Described by Steven Spurrier as "Croatia's best winemaker", Ivica Matosevic has established himself as a force of nature in the country's burgeoning wine industry. This is due to his unbridled passion, which led him to divert his career from a PhD in agriculture to winemaking. This passion is reflected both in his wines, which are exuberant, fresh and true to their nature, and in what he has achieved for the reputation of Croatian wine. Widely recognised among his peers as one of the leaders of the quality revolution, he was instrumental in setting up the Istrian appellation and establishing the wildly popular annual wine fair there.

The "Grimalda" Red is a blend of Teran and Merlot from Brdo: a terraced, sunny, single vineyard in Central Istria. An alpine variety similar to Refosco, Teran provides forest berry aromas, high levels of acidity and crunchy, slightly wild tannins. The Merlot adds flesh to the mid-palate and lends a suppleness to the texture. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for around 15 months, which contributes spicy complexity.

Merlot, Teran, Cabernet Sauvignon

The grapes are sourced from the Brdo vineyard in Central Istria. The vineyard is afforded exceptional conditions, a Mediterranean climate, close proximity to Lake Butoniga and lots of sun. The steep southern slopes, at altitudes of 260-300 metres above sea level, are elevated away from the threat of frost. The soil composition of the vineyards is predominantly limestone, marlstone and sandstone. It is Matosevic's goal to slowly cut off the use of any chemicals by using a minimum of pesticides and no herbicides. Instead, mechanical cultivation is applied, as well as mulching between the rows. Only organic fertiliser is used to restore the soil's balance. Strict pruning maintains low yields.

60% Merlot , 30% Teran, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

The grapes are sourced from the Brdo vineyard in Central Istria. The vineyard is afforded exceptional conditions, a Mediterranean climate, close proximity to Lake Butoniga and lots of sun. The steep southern slopes, at altitudes of 260-300 metres above sea level, are elevated away from the threat of frost. The soil composition of the vineyards is predominantly limestone, marlstone and sandstone. It is Matosevic's goal to slowly cut off the use of any chemicals by using a minimum of pesticides and no herbicides. Instead, mechanical cultivation is applied, as well as mulching between the rows. Only organic fertiliser is used to restore the soil's balance. Strict pruning maintains low yields.

The wine has a lovely ruby appearance with hints of spice, black fruit and oak aromas of chocolate and tobacco. On the palate, it is dry with medium acidity and a full body. The flavours of black berries and sour cherries, matched with sweet ripe tannins linger on the long, elegant finish.