Beth's Smart Sip – Clai Baracija Malvazija 2020

Here's the 'skin'-ny on this golden elixir

Named for the biodynamic vineyard plot in front of winemaker Giorgio Clai’s winery in Croatia’s Istria region comes this 100% Malvazija. But this isn’t your typical white. Clai and his team handpick and de-stem the grapes, then put them into large, open wooden barrels for extended maceration lasting anywhere from one to three weeks, with punch downs three times daily. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeast. The wine is then aged two years in large wooden barrels prior to release.

Clai Baracija Malvazija 2020
Here's the 'skin'-ny on this golden elixir
Clai has the Midas touch – especially this 2020 vintage with some bottle age. Golden amber in color – and rich and round with a luxurious texture – this Malvazija is like no other I’ve tried. It’s lively, yet also creamy, with flavors like dried apricot and peach – and unsweetened crab apple sauce – with notes of buttery pie crust and roasted nuts. I also kept thinking, “This reminds me of peaches and cream, but with no sweetness.” Pair this full-bodied wine with full-flavored dishes like rotisserie chicken or turkey, braised pork belly, and poached salmon.

Sample provided by Croatian Premium Wine.