Wines Unspecified Tomaz - Barbarossa Teran - 2017

The Tomaz “Cuvée Barbarossa Teran” 2017 from Istria, Croatia, offers an intriguing expression of the region’s historic winemaking traditions. Crafted by the Tomaz estate, this red wine focuses on the Teran grape, a signature variety of Istria, though the precise blend composition may include other local grapes. Teran typically yields wines with a vivid purple hue and expressive aromas—especially in a ripe vintage like 2017—often marked by dark berry fruit, wild herbs, and a refreshing acidity. The wine’s structure tends to be robust yet lively, balancing pronounced tannins with a distinctive mineral character that reflects its terroir. Vinification in this region often favours enhancing the grape’s natural freshness and aromatic profile, sometimes involving a short period of oak maturation to soften the edges and add complexity, though this can vary by producer and cuvée.

Istria itself is a jewel of Croatia’s wine scene, located on a peninsula that juts into the northern Adriatic. The area benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate with breezes from the sea, providing a long, gentle ripening period for grapes. The soils here, especially around Motovun where Tomaz resides, are characterised by warming red clay, marl, and limestone, which imbue local wines with a distinctive mineral backbone and bright acidity. Istria’s winemaking roots trace back to Roman times, and today’s producers blend tradition with modern techniques to create expressive, terroir-driven wines.

This cuvée pairs beautifully with a range of hearty, flavourful dishes. To do justice to its structure and vibrant acidity, consider grilled lamb cutlets, wild mushroom risotto, or traditional Istrian fare such as boškarin (local beef) in sauce. The wine also harmonises well with mature hard cheeses and game. Serve at 16-18°C to allow the aromas and texture to unfold fully, and consider decanting if you wish to soften the tannins and accentuate its aromatic depth.