Wines Buje Kozlovic - Satna Lucia - 2017

Viniou Reviews

The Kozlovic Cuvée Santa Lucia 2017 is a remarkable white wine that stands as a fine expression of the Istrian terroir. This blend draws primarily from indigenous grape varieties, with Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana) likely at its core, occasionally complemented by international varietals, depending on vintage and house style. The 2017 vintage benefited from a warm and dry growing season, ensuring full ripeness and a beautiful intensity of flavour. The vineyards sit in the prestigious Buje area, where soils are a mosaic of limestone and marl, giving the wine its characteristic freshness, minerality, and complexity. Vinification at Kozlovic is attentive and precise, often favouring stainless steel to underline the aromatic purity and vibrant character of the grapes, though brief oak ageing is sometimes used for extra roundness and texture.

Istria, in Croatia’s north-western corner, is an ancient wine-growing region, blessed with a benign Mediterranean climate tempered by cooling breezes from the Adriatic Sea. Summers here are warm but never overly hot, which helps preserve acidity and finesse in the region’s white wines. The diversity of soils, from the famed 'terra rossa' red clays to flinty white limestone, allows for a fascinating spectrum of wines, with the Santa Lucia vineyards among the most celebrated. Istria’s rich viticultural history dates back to Roman times, and today’s producers deftly combine tradition and modern techniques to deliver wines of genuine character.

A structured yet aromatic white like Kozlovic’s Santa Lucia pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a true taste of Istria, try it alongside local seafood specialities such as grilled Adriatic fish, scampi 'na buzaru' (shrimp in white wine and garlic sauce), or delicate risotto with wild asparagus. Its vibrant acidity and saline edge also match well with Mediterranean appetisers, goat's cheese, or even roast poultry with herbs.

To appreciate its bouquet of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle herbal notes, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally at 10-12°C. Decanting for 20-30 minutes can help express its complexity. This is a wine that will reward attentive tasting, offering both immediate pleasure and further nuance with several years' cellaring.