Kozlović

The winery's fortunes changed further in 1961, when the family planted its first vines at Santa Lucia near Buje — a site that has since become recognised as Istria's most significant grand cru location for Malvazija. Four generations later, Gianfranco Kozlović and his wife Antonela now run the estate alongside their daughter Gianna, a trained oenologist.

What hasn't changed across all those generations is the focus: fresh, aromatic Istrian Malvazija, made with the same patience the family has always brought to this valley. Let's take a closer look.

One Hectare to Grand Cru: The History of Kozlović

The Kozlović family's winemaking story began in 1904, when Antonio Kozlović bought a small house and a single hectare of vineyard in the Vale valley below Momjan — at the time, a modest plot in a region better known for its rustic, home-consumed wine than any international reputation.

The turning point came in 1961, when the family planted its first vines at Santa Lucia near Buje, a hillside site whose limestone-rich soil and exposure would eventually be recognised as Istria's most important grand cru location. Over the following decades, the Kozlović holdings grew from that original hectare to more than 30, spread across the Vale valley and the Santa Lucia hillside.

Gianfranco Kozlović, the third generation, built one of the region's most modern wine cellars right in the middle of the family's original vineyard, on the exact site where his grandfather planted that first hectare in 1904. His daughter Gianna, trained as an oenologist at some of Europe's top wine schools, now represents the fourth generation working the land.

The Taste: Istrian Malvazija at Its Most Precise

Kozlović has built its reputation almost entirely on two grapes, refined to a very high standard:

• Santa Lucia Malvazija: The winery's grand cru bottling, from the family's most prized hillside site. Crisp and aromatic with apricot and white-flower notes, a mineral edge, and real ageing potential — unusual for a grape often drunk young.
• Selekcija Malvazija: A more concentrated, barrel-influenced expression for those who want to see how far Istrian Malvazija can be pushed.
• Muscat Momjan: An aromatic, floral white tied specifically to the Momjan area, alongside small quantities of Mediteran, a red blend.

More Than Wine: Kozlović's Place in Istria

• The Malvazija benchmark: Kozlović's Santa Lucia bottling is regularly cited as one of the reference points for what serious Istrian Malvazija can achieve.
• A genuine family lineage: Four unbroken generations on the same land, from a single hectare in 1904 to a modern winery built on that very plot.
• Championing a single terroir: Rather than chasing international varieties, the family has spent over a century perfecting what Momjan's specific hills can do with one grape.

Perfect Pairings: Enjoying Kozlović Wines with Istrian Food

Istrian Malvazija was practically made for the region's own table:

• Santa Lucia Malvazija: A classic match for Istrian truffle dishes, fresh goat cheese, or fuži pasta with light seafood sauces.
• Muscat Momjan: Try it as an aperitif, or alongside lighter appetizers and soft cheeses.
• Mediteran red blend: Pairs well with grilled Istrian prosciutto and game dishes.

Finding Kozlović Wines

• At the source: The winery near Momjan offers tastings and cellar visits — book ahead through kozlovic.hr.
• Across Croatia: Widely available at Istrian restaurants and better wine shops throughout the country.
• Internationally: Exported to specialty wine markets across Europe and the US, popular among sommeliers looking for serious Malvazija.

Živjeli uz Kozlović! A toast to four generations who never needed to leave one hillside to make some of Istria's finest white wine.