Matošević Winery, situated in the picturesque village of Krunčići near Sveti Lovreč Pazenatički in Istria stands as a testament to the passion and innovation of its founder, Professionnel du Vin Ivica Matošević. Unlike many of his contemporaries who inherited winemaking traditions, Ivica's journey into viticulture was self-initiated, driven by a profound love for wine that blossomed during his doctoral studies in Italy.

Established in 1996, the winery began without ancestral vineyards. Ivica’s inaugural success came with the 1998 harvest, producing the acclaimed “Anima” barrique Chardonnay from carefully selected grapes. This wine garnered significant recognition, including the prestigious “Studec” award for the best Croatian white wine.

Matošević Winery is renowned for its dedication to indigenous Istrian grape varieties, particularly Malvasia Istriana. Ivica was among the pioneers experimenting with aging Malvasia in acacia barrels, enhancing the wine’s unique character. The winery’s portfolio also includes notable blends like the “Grimalda” series, which combines Malvasia, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc for the white blend, and Merlot and Teran for the red.

The vineyards span two primary locations: Buje in northwest Istria and Grimalda in central Istria. In Buje, Ivica collaborates with long-term partners managing 15 hectares of vineyards, while in Grimalda, he owns 10 hectares cultivated organically. This commitment to organic farming reflects the winery’s philosophy of harmonizing traditional practices with modern techniques to produce authentic and high-quality wines.

Ivica’s contributions extend beyond winemaking; he has been instrumental in the Istrian wine renaissance, advocating for quality standards and regional recognition. His efforts have positioned Matošević Winery as a leading light in Croatian viticulture, earning accolades both domestically and internationally.

Today, Ivica is known worldwide for his exceptional wines. His Malvazija Alba Antiqua was the first Croatian dry wine to be included in the tasting menu of the famous English restaurant, Fat Duck, owned by chef Heston Blumenthal. Matošević's wines have been recognised at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards. Additionally, Ivica is a prominent promoter of Istrian winemaking and one of the founders of the Croatian wine fair, Vinistra in Poreč.

Visitors to Matošević Winery can expect a comprehensive wine experience, from tours of the vineyards and cellar to guided tastings that showcase the distinctiveness of Istrian terroir. The winery’s commitment to excellence and innovation continues to elevate the profile of Croatian wines on the global stage.

Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer
Researched from various sources. E&OE

Photos sourced from the Matošević Domaine website and Instagram pages (c)

Matošević Winery
Sveti Lovreč Pazenatički
Krunčići 2
52448 Sv. Lovreč

Web: matosevic.com/en
Tel: +385 52 448 558