Clai 'Ottocento Bijeli' White Field Blend 2020 | Istria, Croatia

A richly fruit forward skin-contact from Croatia.

Producer: Clai Wines

Region: Western Istria, Croatia

Grapes: Malvazija Istarska and Pinot Gris

Bright amber in colour and a pretty fruit and floral aromatics.

Beautifully opens up on the palate, with flavours of acacia blossom, pear, clementine, lemon, orange, ripe peach, Mediterranean herbs and spices, and a touch of caramel.

Smooth and well rounded, medium bodied, there's a delicious mineral-salinity. Sweet, delicate apples on the finish.

It's a deliciously fruity journey through Croatia's orchards at harvest time.

NERD NOTES

Viticulture

Hand Harvest in September

Soil: Sandy clay, heavy clay

Vinification

The Malvasija and Pinot Grigio grapes are meticulously harvested and fermented separately in large foudrés at a controlled temperature of 16-20 degrees Celsius. During fermentation, the Malvasija grapes spend between two to three weeks on the skins, while the Pinot Grigio grapes undergo a shorter maceration period of approximately 5 days. This differential skin contact time allows for the desired extraction of color, tannins, and flavors for each grape variety.

After fermentation, both wines are aged in a blend of large Slovenian, Austrian, and French oak barrels for two years, further enhancing their complexity, structure, and flavor integration. 

One remarkable attribute of the resulting blend is its stunning color, showcasing a captivating blend of the partially rose-like color from the Pinot Grigio and the golden hue from the Malvasija. This unique and visually striking color adds to the overall allure of the wines, enhancing their exceptional quality and character