Fakin’s "Cuvée Il Primo" 2020 from Istria, Croatia, presents an exciting window into the contemporary Croatian red wine scene. While the precise blend of grapes in this cuvée is not specified, Istrian red wines often showcase a union of indigenous varieties such as Teran or Refosk, at times combined with international grapes like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm and sunny growing season locally, helping fully ripen the fruit and yielding a wine likely marked by vibrant, ripe berry aromas, a fresh mid-palate, and a supple, dry finish. Fakin, known for a modern yet respectful approach to local winemaking traditions, tends to vinify its reds with a careful balance between fruit expression and gentle oak maturation, resulting in a style that is generous but never heavy.
The Istrian peninsula occupies a unique position in the north-west of Croatia, benefiting from proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the cooling influence this brings. The region’s famed red, iron-rich terra rossa soils offer fine drainage and encourage deep roots for the vines, which, alongside the Mediterranean climate, provide ideal conditions for producing distinctive, characterful wines. Istria boasts a long vine-growing history, heavily influenced by Venetian, Austrian, and Slavic cultural currents, lending its wines both tradition and cosmopolitan flair.
Given the likely supple tannins and juicy freshness of this dry Istrian red, the Cuvée Il Primo would pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Traditional Istrian fare—such as slow-cooked beef goulash or wild boar stew with local polenta—would be ideal, as would roast game or grilled lamb. For a Mediterranean twist, try it with tomato-based pasta or hearty risottos featuring earthy mushrooms or truffles, both regional specialities.
To fully appreciate its fruit character and subtle complexities, serve this wine lightly chilled, around 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving can help open up the aromatic profile, especially if enjoyed young.
