2017 Coronica Malvasia

Coronica was established in 1992 by Moreno Coronica after the fall of communist Yugoslavia. His family has lived in the village of Koreniki long enough for it to carry the old spelling of their surname - just over 600 years. Moreno’s interpretation of Istrian terroir differs greatly from that of his contemporaries, yet more classic examples of the indigenous Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia) and red Teran cannot be found. He is dismissive of wines that boast of flavors foreign to Istria, like tropical fruits catering to the “market.” To quote Moreno, “wine must taste like wine.” As the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, Istria is Croatia’s westernmost region bordering both Italy and Slovenia. The climate is maritime Mediterranean, but the terrain is extremely diverse allowing for a multitude of microclimates. Although winemaking throughout the region suffered due to the World Wars and under the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia, since independence from Yugoslavia in 1992, Coronica among many others are embodying a massive rebirth of quality over quantity. Defined by his ability to consistently convey the character of the vintage and seemlessly integrate oak in his “Gran Teran” and “Gran Malvasia” bottlings, they are among the most long lived and best we’ve encountered.

VINEYARDS

An hour drive south from Trieste, Italy, just outside the port town of Umag, Moreno Coronica maintains 75 acres of vineyards planted in the area’s famous rust colored ‘Terra Rossa’ soil. Underneath this nutrient rich clay is the solid limestone that defines the topography. Summers are sunny and hot. In the late afternoon the inland “Mistral” breeze cools the vines helping to preserve acidity and encourage the grapes to grow thicker disease resistant skins. Three fourths of the vines are Malvazija, the remainder Teran and Merlot. Proximity to the warm Adriatic coupled with the distinctive ‘Terra Rossa’ soil account for the scent of sea mist and a deeply mineral signature. Moreno’s immaculate vineyards are grown without the use of fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Crop thinning and green harvest are common practice. Grapes are harvested in multiple passes and always sorted by hand.

WINE MAKING

Located amidst the vines, during harvest refrigerated rooms receive the grapes so that everything can be properly sorted and processed together at optimal temperatures without sacrificing acidity. While his newly finished cellar is state of the art and affords more control, he maintains a steadfast determination to focus on the traditional grapes and winemaking of Istria. Whether 100% in stainless steel or aged in French Barrique for the Gran Malvasia and Teran, the winemaking is clean while never adhering to a recipe or ignoring the reality of the vintage.