Sv. Jakov Malvazija – An Iconic Terroir-Driven Wine from Istria

Sv. Jakov is a distinctive white wine made from 100% Istrian Malvasia, sourced from vines over 50 years old. The grapes grow in a single, organically certified vineyard on the iconic Sv. Jakov hill, just south of the town of Buje, in the heart of Istria’s wine country.

Planted 42 years ago, this vineyard produces grapes of exceptional quality only in the very best vintages. As a result, Sv. Jakov is bottled exclusively in outstanding years, making it one of the winery’s most prestigious and rare labels.

After hand-harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and gently crushed, then gravity-fed with their skins into large wooden vats. Fermentation is spontaneous, relying solely on wild native yeasts present in the environment.

Skin maceration lasts for nearly three months at temperatures between 22–25°C. Pigeage—the traditional breaking of the cap of skins—is performed at least three times daily to extract deep aromas, color, and structure.

The wine then undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, enhancing roundness and complexity. After gentle pneumatic pressing, it is aged for two full years in large used oak barrels (1000–2500 liters).

Why choose Sv. Jakov Malvazija:

• Single-vineyard, organically grown grapes

• Vines over 50 years old

• Bottled only in top vintages

• Wild yeast fermentation

• Long skin contact (approx. 90 days)

• Aged in large old oak casks

• Authentic, layered natural wine with true character

Pair with: red meat, steak, tuna, salmon or white fish, matured cheese or dark chocolate. Or as Margaret Rand would say: With almost anything. 

Clai Sv Jakov Malvazija is one of the 101 Wines to Try Before You Die, according to it's author Margaret Rand. She has also added it to the short list for 2019 in her Decanter article 10 wines you should try in 2019.