From 13th century to protected designation of origin
When you mention the town of Momjan, the first association is the amazing Momjan Castle from the 13th century, and wine lovers will inevitably think of Momian Muscat, a noble grape variety that grows in a very limited part of Momjan area. Muscat Momian wine, along with Malvazija, is a trademark of the Kozlović Winery, located in a place with a great view of the Momjan Castle!
The story of the Momian Muscat begins with the Muscat Blanc grapevine brought from the Italian region of Friuli around 1200. Over the centuries, this white muscat has blended with the local hills and with the specifics of the climate and soil, as well as viticultural practice, thus becoming a separate variety with a special name – Muscat Momian. Therefore, with its morphological characteristics, it belongs to the group of white muscat, but according to its economic and sensory characteristics, it is a separate variety. It grows in a very limited area (only 14 ha) on gentle hills facing southwest, stretching from Oskoruša to Sv. Ivan near Merišće. Thanks to its exceptional position, orchards at 250 meters above the sea level and marly soil, Momian Muscat produced by the Kozlović Winery belongs to wines of exceptional quality, which led to the initiative to apply with the European Commission for Protected Designation of Origin, which represents the highest level of quality products in the European Union. By including Momian Muscat on the list, Croatia obtained its 18th PDO product.
Kozlović Winery boasts as many as two brands of wine produced from Momian Muscat with a protected designation of origin. These are semi-sweet Muscat Momjan, as well as liquid gold – Sorbus, a dessert wine made from dried Momian Muscat grapes. The grapes for both these wines come from vineyards aged from 10 to 37 years, and grape harvesting is done exclusively by hand, as in all other Kozlović vineyards.
Kozlović Muscat Momian semi-sweet PDO (vintage 2020), which is available for purchase in more exclusive wine shops in Serbia, after hand harvesting and selection of grapes, followed by cryomaceration, matures in stainless steel vessels in order to preserve exceptional original aroma. It is of a clear pale yellow color and a seductive magical muscat scent. Very pure, with an abundance of playful flavours and aromas and flutter so typical of Momian Muscat, as well as hints of muscat, ripe yellow fruit and dried apricots complemented by the scent of white flowers, it develops a wonderful taste of sweetness and harmonious freshness in the mouth. Wrapping and luxurious body, Muscat Momjan semi-sweet richly and powerfully rewards the palate with fruit fullness. It is long lasting on the palate, with a refreshing after taste that invites you to take another sip. Because of all these features, it can be consumed on its own at the end of a meal, almost as a dessert. Real gourmets enjoy combining it with delicious goose or chicken pate, with a platter of mature cheese varieties and a selection of dried fruits.
Kozlović Winery has been living with wine since 1904. From the first hectare in the Valle Valley, to today’s winery in the same valley, four generations have changed. Gianfranco and Antonella, the fourth generation of the Kozlović family, combine tradition and innovation by nurturing the autochthonous Istrian assortment – Malvazija, Teran and Momian Muscat. By implementing new knowledge from viticulture and winemaking, they create wines with quality guaranteed by their family name. In their winery, which they like to call “home for people and wine”, they offer two tasting programs, as well as the option of pairing wine with specially created small dishes.
For more details, visit www.kozlovic.hr
