2024 Rodica - Malvasia Slovenska Istra (750ml)

Rodica is a family winery in Slovenska Istra founded by Marinko Rodica, a former car mechanic who began making wine in 1998 and grew the estate into a certified organic producer within a decade. The vineyards sit in the hills near Marezige and Truske, just a few kilometers from the Adriatic and the Gulf of Trieste, and the family farms with a hands-off philosophy that leaves every other row planted with grass and relies solely on natural manure rather than irrigation or synthetic inputs.

This wine is made entirely from Malvazija Istriana, grown on terraced, south facing vineyards at 250 to 350 meters above sea level, where mineral rich limestone soil and steady breezes keep the vines healthy and naturally suited to organic growing. The day-night temperature swings force the vines to work harder for water, concentrating flavor in the grapes. After hand harvest, the fruit is destemmed and given a brief maceration on skins before spontaneous fermentation begins, a light touch approach that lets the vineyard's character carry through.

The result is a dry white with a bright, fruit-forward character, showing citrus, orchard fruit, and floral notes typical of the variety, backed by the gentle minerality of its limestone terroir. On the palate it is fresh and well balanced, with a clean, slightly saline finish. It pairs beautifully with seafood, shellfish, or Istrian pasta dishes like fuzi.