Discover the Masterful Malvasia Zidarich 2020: A White Wine from the Karst

Zidarich’s Malvasia is a famous, lovely, amazing white wine from the Karst. It has a clear taste and is made by one of the most skilled winemakers in the world: Beniamino Zidarich.

Beniamino Zidarich is one of those people whose name doesn’t need to be said, thanks to the respect he’s earned over years of hard work and bottles that still make fans dream.

Beniamino started out with only a half hectare of vineyards, but he has been growing steadily ever since. He now has 8 hectares of vineyards with local grapes like Vitovska, Terrano, and Malvasia, as well as Sauvignon and Merlot, which have become important parts of the Friulian ampelography.

There is no cheating or taking short cuts. Instead of using chemicals, herbicides, or pesticides in the vineyard, the same care is taken when making the wine.

The result is expressive and vital liquids, but Beniamino’s delicate touch gives them a tone that makes them elegant and easy to drink.

Malvasia Zidarich is a perfect example of Istrian Malvasia, a biotype that is unique to the Karst region.

How is made

The vineyards, which are near Prepotto, are grown with only a little copper and sulphur and have very low yields. We pay just as much attention in the cellar, where the white wines also undergo spontaneous fermentation and maceration on the skins.

The wine is aged in Slavonian oak barrels for 24 months without being filtered or clarified. Malvasia Istriana by Zidarich is served in a glass with a gold dress that has amber reflections around the edges.

Emblematic nose: it manages to combine the elegance of a champion with an intoxicating aroma profile of peach, sage, aromatic herbs, and mineral puffs.

The taste is the same, and the effect of maceration on the skins is noticeable but never overpowering. This is why this incredible wine always has a flowing, sinuous quality that makes it hard to stop drinking. A piece of art.

Price

28 euros.

Pairings

• Seafood. Malvasia Zidarich pairs well with seafood dishes, such as grilled or baked fish, seafood pasta, or shellfish. Its mineral notes and delicate flavor complement the natural sweetness and subtle taste of seafood.
• Thai Green Curry. The bright and spicy flavors of a Thai Green Curry complement the herbal and mineral notes in this Malvasia perfectly. The creamy coconut milk in the curry also helps to balance the wine’s acidity.
• Pad Thai. The sweetness of Pad Thai noodles pairs well with the fruit-forward notes of this wine. The subtle oak flavors also complement the peanuts and lime in the dish.
• Indiana Fried Chicken. The rich and savory flavors of Indiana Fried Chicken are a perfect match for the full-bodied and expressive Malvasia. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the dish, while the oak aging complements the smokiness of the chicken.
• Mexican Shrimp Ceviche. The fresh and citrusy flavors of Mexican Shrimp Ceviche are balanced by the delicate fruit and floral notes in this wine. The subtle oak flavors also complement the dish’s smoky and spicy flavors, making for a harmonious pairing.
• Vegetables. Malvasia Zidarich goes well with vegetable dishes, such as grilled vegetables, risotto with asparagus or peas, or vegetable quiche. Its herbal and mineral notes complement the earthy and savory flavors of vegetables.
• Cheese. This wine is a great choice for cheese lovers. It pairs well with aged cheese, such as Parmesan, Pecorino, or Gruyere, as well as with creamy cheese, such as Brie or Camembert. Its acidity and tannins cut through the richness of cheese, while its fruity and floral notes balance the flavors.