Clai Sv. Jakov Malvazija 2021

Drink now or cellar for up to 7 years. Serve chilled. The Clai estate is situated a short 40km hop from the Italian border and has been in the same local Istrian family for generations. Today this top Croatian boutique winery is run by Giorgio Clai who strives to produce delicious, finely-crafted wines in harmony with the natural ecosystem. In the vineyard he uses only organic fertilizer and avoids treating the vines with chemicals. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented using wild yeasts naturally found on the skins and in the air. Malvazija is the local Croatian name for Malvasia which thrives on the Istrian peninsula thanks to the proximity to the coast and cooling sea breezes even at the height of summer. This special single vineyard Malvazija comes from 50 year old vines planted on a prime site on a hill to the south of the town of Buje. The vines here are farmed organically and are harvested by hand. The Sv. Jakov is made with the very best fruit from this vineyard and is only produced during the finest of vintages to ensure exceptional quality. Following vinification the young wine is aged for two years in 1000 litre and 2500 litre casks to add complexity and maturity. The result is an aromatic, lightly spiced wine with intense layers of flavour and texture which emerge as the wine opens up and reveals its full character in the glass. A fantastic wine to savour with a delicious meal of fish, chicken or pastas served with a creamy sauce.