In the village of Zovići, nestled between Pazin and Motovun, the Radanović family carries on a long-standing tradition that in 2021 they elevated to a professional level. The winery is led by Luka Radanović, one of the youngest winemakers in Croatia, with the whole family actively involved in the work and running of the estate — his sister Mikaela, mother Ana and father Ivan. Luka gained his formal education at the Poreč wine school, after which he built experience in renowned Istrian wineries. He chose to devote the visual identity of his own brand to the motif of the centuries-old oaks that characterise this part of the peninsula.
Indigenous varieties from old plantings
Today the family works 4 hectares of vineyards sited at an altitude of between 300 and 350 metres. The distinctiveness of this micro-location lies in the particular combination of white and red soil that lends the wines their structural complexity, while the oldest family plantings — some more than 70 years old — ensure naturally low yields and high concentration in the grapes. Production is focused on the indigenous range, so the vineyards are dominated by Malvazija Istarska (Istrian Malvasia) and Teran, alongside a little Muškat Bijeli (white Muscat).
The range currently comprises six labels, chief among them the fresh Malvazija, regularly awarded at local shows and tastings. Keeping pace with contemporary stylistic trends and market demand, they have also added a pét-nat — a sparkling Malvazija made by the classic method of primary fermentation in the bottle. For wine tourism a tasting room has been fitted out on the premises, open to visitors every day with prior notice required, while over the summer season themed enogastronomic events are staged in the vineyards themselves.
Link to the website: radanovicwines.com
