Gastronomy Croatia

Degrassi Winery

ABOUT US – BEGINNING

Mr. Moreno Degrassi owned a restaurant for many years and was a passionatewinemaker before turning his hobby into a profession. He started as a small landowner in the NW of the Istrian peninsula (Croatia) – so close to the Italian winemakers who represented a challenge to meet.

In the mid 90-ies he finally took this challenge. The years of 1995 to 1996 were the first major years for this winery and he continues to create some of the best wine varieties in Croatia.

Even though 15 years of professional work on an international level might not represent a long lasting tradition, for a contry that’s been independent only since 1990 this is a rather long period of winemaking.

WINEMAKING

Many tales have been told about winemaking. It is hard to tell a new one. It takes love, devotion, savoir-faire, persistance and a little magic to make it in this wonderful craft and also a demanding business.

Mr. Moreno Degrassi started off with basic wine varieties which our common in the region of Istria. We’re of course, talking about autochtonous varieties such as malvazija, moscato & teran, but he took it a step further with great chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.

Today, the range of wine varieties of maison DEGRASSI exceeds the number of 20 – adding interesting varieties such as viognier or petit verdot to the rang as well as wonderful cuvee’s which are yet to be discovered in their full richness.

OUR LOGO

The logo of DEGRASSI wines is embodied in a rhombus ruby symbol.

It’s roots are found in a legend about the king Otto IV who stood outnumbered in front of the Venetian Navy trying to save the Istrian peninsula from the assaults of the Lion of St. Marco.

The ruby represents a purity of spirit, a legend one can only hope to achieve. It is a constant struggle and challenge which this winery is surely keen to meet.in a rhombus ruby symbol.

It’s roots are found in a legend about the king Otto IV who stood outnumbered in front of the Venetian Navy trying to save the Istrian peninsula from the assaults of the Lion of St. Marco.

The ruby represents a purity of spirit, a legend one can only hope to achieve. It is a constant struggle and challenge which this winery is surely keen to meet.

OUR COLOURS & COAT OF ARMS

The “Coat of Arms” of DEGRASSI winery is presented as a rhombus medallion with a three-coloured stripe.

The colours:
– Red: passion and love
– Black: strength
– White: purity and elegance

Receiving a DEGRASSI wine decorated with the “Coat of Arms” stands for the uttmost respect.

SLOGAN

“Legends among us..”

It would be a bit unaccurate to describe this as our slogan; it is more of a motto.

Every little effort, every little moment one takes to reflect is worth of struggle. It doesn’t matter whether one is a winemaker or something else; the most important thing is the relation to the things one does and the environment around it. To us – this is a devotion to exellence in everything one does.

Everyone of us who found him/herself in these three words is worthy of praise and admiration and for us represent a little legend we should look up to. Forget the role models PR forces You to reach – look inside You and try hard to achieve.

On this narrow road filled with many unpleasant surprises – we thank You wine lovers for helping us stride on.

BRAND STORY

Discover it through a very special website: www.legends-among-us.com

LOCATION

Degrassi winery is situated in the region of Istria (Republic of Croatia – NE Mediterranean Europe)

Our offices, tasting room and the cellar are all at one place… A little town called Savudrija on the very NW peak of the Istrian peninusla, sea border to both Italy and Slovenia.

Our wineyards are situated on the hills around a little town called Buje some 10 miles away of our HQ.

Savudrija

Savudrija is a little fishermen’s town in the NW of the Istrian peninsula.

It is the end point of Croatia on the western border.

The name Savudrija in Italian is SALVORE – meaning “the saved king”

Salvo – saved
Re – king

Discover this interesting story through our story about the our brand:
www.legends-among-us.com

Buje

Buje is a little mideval town in the NW of Istrian midlands.

It is certainly one of the most picturesque cities in the region of Istria. The whole surrounding is just full of vineyards and will remind You of many other famous regions of Italy or France.

VINEYARDS

DEGRASSI wineyards are situated on the little hills around a small town Buje
(Istrian region – Croatia).

Mostly, DEGRASSI wines are cultivated on the so called White Lands terroir (Terre Bianche).

DEGRASSI wines cultivated on Terre Bianche are specified by 4 different positions.

These 4 positions are:
– Bomarchese
– Contarini
– Ferne’
– San Pellegrin

Four (4) positions of the vineyards

Bomarchese

Bomarchese appellation of Degrassi wines indicates the hills where the Malvazija variety is being cultivated. Degrassi wines are famous for the malvazija variety which is autochtonous in the region of Istria (Croatia).

Besides the classic Degrassi’s Bomarchese Malvazija, we also have:
– Degrassi’s Bomarchese Malvazija Barrique
– Degrassi’s Bomarchese Malvazija Riserva
– Degrassi’s Bomarchese Malvazija Selekcija (Selection)

The very name Bomarchese probably indicates these hills one belonged to a duke who was remembered for his kindness:

- Bo – meaning “good” in Italian dialect
– Marchese – marquis (duke)

Contarini

Contarini appellation of Degrassi wines indicates the hills where the mainly red varieties are cultivated.

Red wines range:
– Degrassi’s Contarini Cabernet Sauvignon
– Degrassi’s Contarini Cabernet Franc
– Degrassi’s Contarini Merlot
– Degrassi’s Contarini Pinot Noir
– Degrassi’s Contarini Petit Verdot
– Degrassi’s Contarini Cuvee’ (also known as “Degrassi Cuvee’ Rouge”)

White wines range:
– Degrassi’s Contarini Sauvignon (blanc)
– Degrassi’s Contarini Viognier

The very name Contarini probably indicates these hills once belonged to the famous Venetian family Contarini which gave many distinguished figures in politics, art and business.

Ferne’

Ferne’ appellation of Degrassi wines indicates the hills where the chardonnay grapevines are cultivated.

The range includes:
– Degrassi’s Ferne’ Chardonnay
– Degrassi’s Ferne’ Chardonnay barrique

Chardonnay is probably one of the most famous Degrassi’s white wines.
Some say the very name Ferne’ indicates these hills once belonged to the famous Italian family Fernet – a legend in the liqueur business.

San Pellegrin

San Pelegrin appellation of Degrassi wines indicates the hills where the moscato grapevines are cultivated.

The range includes:
– Degrassi’s San Pellegrin Moscato classic
– Degrassi’s San Pellegrin Moscato d.sec

Moscato (muškat in the local dialect) represents almost an autochtonous dessert wine – very highly rated in Croatia and abroad.

The very name San Pellegrin coincides with the famous Italian well of mineral water. Trivia or not, probably the most important characteristic of Degrassi wines is actually the minerality.

Two (2) terroirs

The Istrian peninsula offers different terroirs for the cultivation of grapevine.

Two of the best most probably are:
– Terre Bianche (transl. White Lands)
– Terre Rosse (transl. Red Lands)

DEGRASSI grapevines are both cultivated on the Terre Bianche (mainly) and Terre Rosse.

It is very important to clarify the following:

- White Lands – do not incline that this terroir is exclusively reserved for the cultivation of the white wine varieties

- Red Lands – do not incline that this terroir is exclusively reserved for the cultivation of the red wine varieties

Vineyards – summary

As said, they spread on 4 positions around the little town of Buje; The Bomarchese, Ferne, Contarini, and San Pellegrin vineyards are a part of the best and the most fertile wine-growing location in the entire Buje region.

This site, sheltered by an ideal microclimate, is a white earth flysch on 200 to 250 meters above sea level, seven kilometres away from the sea. Here, where the vineyards are nourished with both the hand and the heart, while the tendrils are slowly rising toward the sun, a sincere attitude toward the grape vine and the wine is born.

And all the wisdom from the veins in the vine, lucid and clear, is poured from the grape into a drink of divine attributes which reveals all its truth and strength.

WINES

Fine and elegant, DEGRASSI wines will offer a treat for every palate. Today, more than 20 labels speak for themselves – many of which won numerous prizes in both Croatia and Europe.

White Wines

- Degrassi’s Bomarchese Malvazija Barrique
– Degrassi’s Bomarchese Malvazija Riserva
– Degrassi’s Bomarchese Malvazija Selekcija (Selection)
– Degrassi’s Ferne’ Chardonnay
– Degrassi’s Ferne’ Chardonnay barrique
– Degrassi’s San Pellegrin Muškat žuti
– Degrassi’s San Pellegrin Muškat bijeli
– Degrassi’s Contarini Sauvignon (blanc)
– Degrassi’s Contarini Viognier
– Degrassi Terre Bianche Cuvee’ Blanc

Red Wines

- Degrassi’s Contarini Cabernet Sauvignon
– Degrassi’s Contarini Cabernet Franc
– Degrassi’s Contarini Merlot
– Degrassi’s Contarini Pinot Noir
– Degrassi’s Contarini Petit Verdot (stiže uskoro)
– Degrassi’s Contarini Cuvee’ (also known as “Degrassi Cuvee’ Rouge”)
– Degrassi’s Terre Bianche Cuvee’ Rouge
– Degrassi’s Teran Terre Rosse
– Degrassi’s Refošk Terre Rosse
– Degrassi’s Cab.Sauvignon Terre Rosse

 

GRAPPA

Dear wine lovers, spirits for us represent a different level of richness in alcohol.

Istrian grappa is a bit stronger, and so is ours, but we tried to blend it elegantly.

Classic Grappa Buiese – so called Komovica

Grappa Buiese Classic represents the base of Degrassi’s offer of liquors. It derives from the Komovica variety.

The appellation Buiese indicates the small town of Buje (Buie) where the grapevines are cultivated.

Alkohol: 40%

Taste: dry, pure and strong, very keen “palate polisher”, which leaves an aftertaste with the notes of ripe grapes and almonds.

It’ll provide plenty of warmth.

Gastro Recommendation:
Great digestive, a welcoming drink of an Istrian home which goes well alongside dried figs

Serving Recommendation: Serve lightly chilled

XII Grappa

This is a very special series of Degrassi’s grappa which aged in oak barrels for more than a decade.

The series is of course limited and dedicated to our dearest customers.

Colour: Vintage gold
Bouquet: Honey and different dried fruits
Taste: Soft and warm, leaving a gentle aftertaste with the notes of old pipe tobacco and dried fruit
Gastro Recommendation: Goes well with honey cookies, and extra fine dark chocolate
This truly is a real Istrian chillout especially served by a fireplace.

SPARKLING WINE

Degrassi’s sparkling wine represents a very fresh and elegant prosecco styled „bubbly“. However, it is still not for sale.

HQ

Our offices, tasting room and the cellar are all on one place… A little town called Savudrija on the very NW peak of the Istrian peninusla, sea border to both Italy and Slovenia.

Degrassi ltd.
Basanija bb
52475 Savudrija
Republic of Croatia

WINE CELLAR

Our wine cellar is bulit by the highest standards in the business.
From constant temperature, to the top quality oak and steel burrels – everything here is dedicated to
product and service excellence.

WINE TASTING

Anyone is pleased when receiving You can get acquainted with these carefully nurtured wines through a unique interactive experience of visiting the wine production process.

By tasting and sensing the wine there, You will be rewarded with a multitude of seductive flavours, colours and aromatic notes.

The pleasant environment of our wine tasting room is carefully furnished to make your experience complete. It offers among others homemade Istrian prosciutto and cheese and can, with prior notice, accommodate up to 25 persons.

PHOTO GALLERY

CONTACT

Dear customers, we’d like to thank You for Your support all of these years.

Your interest in direct sales with us, represents a high value.

Throughout the last two decades we have created many wonderful relations with our clients; from the special terms, education to of course great events.

Join the list of our distinguished clients and enjoy our special customer care.

Degrassi ltd.
Basanija bb
52475 Savudrija
Republic of Croatia

T. + 385 (0)52 759 250
F. + 385 (0)52 759 250

E. info@degrassi.hr
W1. www.degrassi.hr
W2. www.legends-among-us.com

Visintin Winery

At the very heart of Istria, the land of good wine, there is a small place called Livade. Although famous for its truffles, this place is also well known for its splendid wines.

On the lovely Oprtalj hills is the small, sun-drenched Hamlet of Zubini, where the Winery Visintin is located. The unique views of Motovun and Livade are enriched by this beautiful and ancient wine-cellar, and are best appreciated with a glass of superb wine in your hand.

The Visintin Winery has been producing wine for many years. Serious production started in 1997, in the same year that they took part for the first time in the prestigious “Vinistra” wine competition; they have participated continuously in this competition every year since, and have achieved excellent results. Amongst their best results were the gold medals awarded to the Winery at the “Vinistra” for their Teran and Cabernet Sauvignon Wines in 2004, as well as numerous prizes not only from “Vinistra” but also from other competitions from all over Croatia.

The Visintin Winery is renowned for its own grape cultivation, enabling them to control the quality of the grape, which allows for the production of an outstanding quality wine. The vineyard consists of 4.5 hectares, located on the slopes of the Oprtalj and is surrounded by unspoilt nature. The characteristics of the land are such that the specific position of each terrace allows the grapes to be exposed to the maximum amount of sun to achieve the wines superior flavours and high quality.

Nowadays, the Visintin Winery production comprises of white Istrian Malvasia wine, red wine Teran and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Winery’s real delicacy is the “coupague” (‘blend’) made of Teran, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. For those with more refined taste, the Visintin winery also offers Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique which should not be missed.

These excellent wines can be enjoyed in an ancient wine-cellar adorned by wooden barrels, where you will be met with the extraordinary warmth of the owners who are at your disposal and want to make you welcome.

OLIVE OIL Bassanese

Olives have been cultivated in Istria for centuries, and this is shown in the olive trees (some of which are over a hundred years old) in our area as well as Motovun and its surroundings.

After decades of oblivion, the passion for ‘liquid gold’ was rekindled in 1990s when many old olive groves were replanted. The Bassanese Family also revived the tradition of olive oil production by planting old and new olive tree varieties.

By combining traditional and modern practices, they have succeeded in producing olive
oil of the highest quality; perfectly complementing traditional Istrian Cuisine which has always recognized its value.

Its scent and flavour are sumptuous; it is rich in vitamins and easily digestible, and totally indispensible for any culinary offering.

In addition to our olive oil, the Bassanese Family wish you ‘bon appétit’.

Greetings from Motovun

Istra and Kvarner

Selection of cheeses and cold dishes of Istria. The cuisine of Istria and the Kvarner regions represents a special Croatian style of cooking, a blend of inland and coastal. These regions are rich in excellent fish and seafood, most notable among them being found in the northern Adriatic: scampi (prawns), calamari and shellfish from the Limski Kanal (Fiord). After an excellent prosciutto, and cheese and olives, many traditional wine cellars offer fish soup, fish stew, boiled prawns, black and white frutti di mare risotto, as well as other dishes typical of the central part of the Istrian peninsula – traditional wine soup, ragout (jota) similar to Italian minestrone (manistra, menestra, menestra), and also pasta and risotto dishes cooked with the famous truffles of the region – a self-sown precious mushroom species, unearthed by specially trained dogs and pigs; these fungi have the reputation of containing aphrodisiac properties.

The excellent Istrian wines include Malmsey of Buje, Cabernet of Porec, Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Terrano of Buzet, Zlahtina of Vrbnik, and sparkling wines – Bakarska Vodica, etc. Fine restaurants abound in Istria, especially on the Opatija, Crikvenica, Rovinj and Porec littorals, both in the interior and on the islands.

In Vrsar, on the very shore, visit a high quality restaurant Restaurant/Konoba -TROST. The rich gastronomic tradition is working many years with a various sea food offer. You can order a la carte fish and meet dishes prepared in a n olt traditional way, fish and meet grill. The offer also contains istrian side dished and pasta prepared in a many different ways. Here are some of the specialities: pasta with wild asparagus and shrimps, with mushrooms and sea food, the tris with black and white risotto made of octopus and shrimp tales. We wish you a pleasant stay and bon apetit!

Dalmatia

The cuisine of Dalmatia and the islands follows the trend of modern nutritional norms. The brief thermal preparation of foodstuffs (mainly boiling or grilling) and plenty of fish, olive oil, vegetables and self-sown herbs found near the sea is why this cuisine is considered to be very healthy.

Dalmatian wines, like olive oil and salted olives, have been highly esteemed since ancient times, which the present names of some of the indigenous grape sorts reveal (Grk : Greek, from the island of Korcula; Prc from the island of Hvar). Famous wines include Dingac and Postup from the Peljesac Peninsula; Babic from Primosten; Vugava and Plancic from the island of Hvar… then there are Posip and Grk from Korcula; Marastina from the island of Lastovo; Malmsey from Dubrovnik, etc., and also Prosecco (a sweet dessert wine), the very strong grape (loza) and herbal brandies (travarica, grapes with medicinal herbs) and liqueurs (Maraschino, Vlahov).

Although even today every area has its own way of preparing certain dishes, the cuisine of the islands represents a separate world, their distinguishing features having been discovered only recently, such as the cuisine of the islands of Hvar, Korcula, Brac (vitalac, a dish made from lamb offal wrapped in lamb gut and spike-roasted), Vis (spike-roasted pilchards, as during the Ancient Greek period; flat cake with pilchards from Komiza and Vis, related to the modern-day pizza).

Fresh sea fish (dog’s tooth, gilthead, sea-bass, grouper, mackerel, pilchards) grilled, boiled or marinated; then there are molluscs (squid, cuttlefish, octopus), crustaceans (shrimps, lobsters) and shellfish (mussels, oysters, date-shells) boiled in a fish stew or as a risotto.

Of the meat dishes, prosciutto is unarguably unrivalled – pork leg smoked and dried in the bora (from Drnis), served with dry, mostly sheep’s cheese (famous sorts of cheese are those from Pag and Dubrovnik) and salted green and black olives, capers and pickled onions. Lamb is also very highly valued, especially boiled or baked on an open fire (Franjevacka begovica from Visovac, or lopiz from the island of Iz); also, dried mutton (kastradina), roast beef, Dalmatian stew (pasticada) with gnocchi, offered by many restaurants.

Lightly boiled vegetables are also favourite dishes (Swiss chard with potatoes, tomato sauce) often a mixture of cultivated and self-sown vegetables, spiced with olive oil and wine vinegar, or served with meat (manestra – pasta with minced meat; arambasici – stuffed vine leaves). Regions with an abundance of fresh water are famous for their frog, eel and river crab dishes (the Neretva valley, Trilj and the Cetina basin).

Typical Dalmatian desserts win the heart with their simplicity. The most usual ingredients include Mediterranean fruit, dried figs and raisins, almonds, honey, eggs (rafioli, mandulat, smokvenjak, the gingerbread biscuits from the island of Hvar – rozata.

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