Wines Unspecified Degrassi - Bomarchese - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Degrassi’s Bomarchese Cuvée 2020 is a testament to modern Istrian winemaking. This dry white blend is crafted from a careful selection of indigenous and international varietals, with the precise cépage a closely held house secret that skilfully weaves local Malvazija with possible accents of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The 2020 vintage reflects a harmonious year in Istria, offering a wine of brightness and poise. Vinification is meticulous here – the blend is usually fermented in stainless steel to preserve aromatic freshness and varietal character, followed by a period of maturation to integrate the components, resulting in a wine with both expressive fruit and subtle complexity.

Istria, a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea in western Croatia, boasts a viticultural history that stretches back to Roman times. The region is celebrated for its diverse soils, particularly “terra rossa” – red, iron-rich clay over limestone, imparting marked minerality and structure to its wines. Istria enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, marked by warm, sunny days and cooling sea breezes, which allow grapes a long, balanced ripening period. This unique terroir gives Istrian whites a lovely tension between ripe orchard fruits and vivacious acidity, qualities evident in Degrassi’s Bomarchese.

Bomarchese’s expressive bouquet, often featuring notes of green apple, white peach, acacia blossom and a whisper of almond, finds a perfect match with the flavours of the sea. Pair it with dishes like grilled squid, scampi risotto or sea bass carpaccio, as well as local staples such as Istrian fuži pasta with white truffle shavings. Its mineral undertone enables it to pair beautifully with fresh goat’s cheese or light vegetable terrines.

For serving, chill the wine to a refreshing 8-10°C. This temperature ensures that the wine’s delicate aromatics and racy structure shine through, inviting you to savour each glass as you would the Adriatic coastline itself.