Valenta Istrian Malvasia 2024

Valenta Winery is a newer name on the wine scene, but only when speaking of labels. Wine has been produced in this family for a long time, and a great deal of knowledge and experience is hidden in these bottles. The audience seems to respond very well to what Valter Valenta does, as the wines had one of the shortest paths from anonymity to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best. As Kaldir and the surroundings of Motovun are slowly proving to be a special place for Malvasia and Teran, this small family winery is steadily climbing in the competition for recognition. The Muscat is no exception. What especially distinguishes it is the well-judged sweetness. The wine does not tire the palate, it is very pleasant in the mouth, with very clean and clear Muscat aromas and, although sweet, it manages to remain elegant.

Ruby red with purple hues and the typical varietal aromas of red fruit, with cherry standing slightly in the foreground. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with pronounced acidity and lively, well-integrated tannins. The finish is pleasant and long, with a promising potential for ageing.

Valenta Sauvignon Blanc deserves every recommendation. A pleasant surprise awaits in this bottle: a clearly defined varietal character of Sauvignon, unintrusive and well-balanced aromatics, with a wide palette of herbal and vegetal notes, none of which dominate. The entire aromatic picture is firmly set on a minimal but permissible amount of residual sugar. In a comparative tasting alongside other domestic Sauvignons, a subtle difference in the mineral profile emerges — one that we generously attribute to the terroir.