Wines Buje Kozlovic - Santa Lucia - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Kozlović Santa Lucia 2018 is a white wine that beautifully expresses the unique character of Istria, Croatia. Crafted at the esteemed Kozlović estate, this wine is a cuvée, typically blended from local varieties such as Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana) which is the flagship grape of the region. The 2018 vintage benefited from a warm, balanced growing season, allowing optimal ripening while maintaining fresh acidity. Santa Lucia is sourced from select vineyards around Buje, an area known for its gentle hills and excellent exposure, where limestone and flysch soils impart both minerality and complexity. Vinification at Kozlović is meticulous, with careful handling of the fruit, temperature-controlled fermentation, and often some time on fine lees or partial oak maturation to add texture and aromatic dimension.

Istria is Croatia’s most westerly peninsula, projecting into the Adriatic Sea, where the climate is distinctly Mediterranean, marked by mild winters and warm, sunny summers refreshed by sea breezes. The soils, rich in white limestone interspersed with red clays, foster both freshness and rich aromatics in the region’s white wines. Viticulture in Istria enjoys a tradition that dates back to Roman times, but in recent decades, producers like Kozlović have elevated local varieties to international acclaim, focusing on quality and sense of place.

This elegant Istrian white is incredibly food-friendly. Its fresh citrus, orchard fruit and subtle floral notes with a mineral backbone make it a versatile partner for seafood, particularly the local Adriatic scampi, grilled white fish, and shellfish pasta. It pairs beautifully with Istrian specialities like fuži (hand-rolled pasta) with white truffle or seafood risotto. For cheese, try it with young cow or goat’s cheese from the region.

To fully appreciate the nuances of Santa Lucia, serve at a cool 10-12°C. Decanting for 15-20 minutes before serving will allow the aromatics and texture to unfold. This wine also possesses good ageing potential, so you may enjoy it now or cellar it for added complexity in the coming years.