The grape variety Teran

Teran is a distinctive red grape variety predominantly cultivated in the Istrian region of Croatia and parts of Slovenia and Italy. Renowned for its deep ruby hue, Teran delivers a vibrant aromatic profile marked by lively notes of red and black berries, sour cherry, and subtle herbal undertones. On the palate, Teran wines are medium-bodied with pronounced acidity and firm tannins, offering flavours of ripe forest fruits, blackcurrant, and occasionally a hint of iron-like minerality unique to the local terra rossa soils.

Teran's primary winegrowing areas include the Istrian Peninsula, with notable expressions found in Croatian Istria, the Slovenian Karst (Kras), and some parts of northeastern Italy. Typical wine styles range from youthful, fresh, and unoaked examples with pronounced fruitiness, to more structured and matured versions aged in oak that gain complexity and depth.

Teran pairs excellently with robust fare. Its refreshing acidity and tannic structure make it an ideal companion for grilled meats, game dishes, rich stews, and hard local cheeses such as Istrian cheese. The grape’s vibrant fruit character also complements cured meats and Mediterranean cuisine, particularly those featuring tomatoes and aromatic herbs.