Degrassi Winery
ABOUT US – BEGINNING
Degrassi Winery
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.
Degrassi Vineyards
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
Degrassi 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
Over the past century the Istrian malmsey has borne the title of the most famous and ubiquitous wine of our peninsula. Regular abundant vintages, exuberant growth, resistance to disease and the quality of wine produced from it, have assured her this leading position. Depending on the chemical processing procedure, nurture and vintage year, its color varies from straw to golden yellow. Its scent primarily reminds of the locust flower scent. The contents of its main components make her an average to full-bodied wine, its volume of alcohol ranging from 11.5 to 13.5 with delicate bouquet and fresh taste. It complements most superbly the entire variety of the Mediterranean cuisine.
The Istrian counterpart of malmsey is teran. Teran and its subtype refosc are both considered the pristine, indigenous wines of Istria. We tend to call the red wines black, mostly because of teran’s intense, deep, ruby color. The local farmer gently whispers, Its color is similar to hare’s blood and it can be drunk like milk. Its bouquet is fruit.like and its special taste is easily recognized. Healing power has been attributed to it. It is in excellent harmony with heavier, more caloric dishes, such as local stew, sauces and venison.
A great many connoisseurs of Istrian wines will tend to rank the highest the Istrian muscatel or, to be more specific, the muscatel produced in and around Momjan, owing to its gold-like color, intense bouquet of wild clove pink and its exquisite aroma. Dry and sweet. Worthy complement of dessert and many other delicacies. even aphrodisiac power has been attributed to it, especially as regards to virtuous ladies.
Istria, this miniature continent and the largest peninsula of the Adriatic coast, slopes gently into the sea towards the eternally sunny southwest. The wine’s bouquet and body is enriched by the special land structure, i.e. the red soil spreading over the littoral and the white soil covering the hinterland area. The vineyards spread over approx. 15.200 acres of land. The western viticulture area (in the vicinity of Porec, Buje, Pula and Rovinj) is the largest, its vineyards covering approx. 14.430 acres. The Central Istria wine-growing hills (around Buzet and Pazin) spread over some 516.44 acres, while in the eastern part (near Labin), there are around 255 acres of vinegrapes.
Nada, Vrbnik
Winemaking
Žlahtina is a famous wine trademark of Vrbnik and it represents the most precious product of our wine production but we also make another red wine Brajdica, sherry and champagne that we get by using traditional methods of production. Besides wine there are also some other distillates such as komovica, komovica (grape-brandy) with aromatic leaves of Ruta graveolens and fig brandy.
Offer to groups
We are experienced in welcoming organized groups. In the autochthonous stone environment of the wine-cellar there is also the tasting room which can accept 100 visitors. Besides tasting you will have a professional guide to inform you about everything and you will also visit the production department.
