Central Istria, with its hills and vineyards, has always been a paradise for wine lovers. Still, wine lovers got a new destination to enjoy premium drops with the opening of Wine Bar Šinjorina in the heart of Žminj in August 2024. This elegant and spacious space offers a unique opportunity to taste wine under the professional guidance of sommelier Vedrana Križman, who creates a special experience with her smile and knowledge.
The best Istrian wines are available, including labels such as Misal Peršurić, whose sparkling creations are indispensable alongside traditional delicacies such as codfish and cheeses. The Peršurić sisters continue the tradition of their father's winery as pioneers of sparkling wines in Croatia. With an excellent wine list, guests can experience combinations of flavours in a relaxed but sophisticated environment. We tasted great bites of white cod from the famous Istrian Bacalla alla mama production and cheeses from Žminjština, Fajman, Latus, and Orbanić cheeses.
The name "Šinjorina" reflects the local spirit and elegance, and its distinctive logo - a lady with a mysterious hat - invites guests to explore the sensual world of wine. In addition to the rich selection of Istrian wines, it plans to expand the offer to include wines from Slovenia and Italy, enabling fascinating combinations of varieties such as Malvazija at wine workshops. Vedrana Križman, who obtained a second degree of a sommelier and is constantly improving her knowledge, is preparing workshops where wine lovers will be able to learn about wine pairings, starting already in September with four workshops dedicated to combining wine with oils and cheeses. She is among the growing number of female sommeliers, and the trend of strengthening the female gender in the wine world is also happening in vineyards and cellars. Vedrana warns that there is a woman behind every successful winemaker, which we agree with from experience! Karin Perdec and Jelena Šimić were her role models.
The local wine group also includes Malvazija Pazinska from the Anđelini winery. Žminj has a very suitable terroir for typical Istrian varieties, where red and black soil meet and positions at high altitudes, even over 400 meters. Žminj is a crossroads and centre where tourists find rural peace and rich rural products. Therefore, Šinjorina is the correct answer to the needs of locals and tourists alike.
Among the wines that stand out in Šinjorina is the Malvazija Pazinska 2022 from the Anđelini winery, which, due to longer aging, develops into a more robust body while retaining its freshness. This departure from fast-paced production allows Malvazija to shine brightly, and the grapes are processed by hand to preserve quality. More and more winemakers agree with this way of treating Malvazija because it is not yet ready for the market in April. Already in July or August, Malvazija develops differently, gets a stronger body, and still retains its freshness. The grapes were picked by hand and processed and vinified in stainless steel barrels in a short period of time, following the example of the former Pazinska Malvazija.
There is also a more serious version of Malvasia from the Siljan winery. Macerated Malvazija Selection stands out for its straw-yellow color and strong body, as well as floral and citrus aromas. It is ideal with oysters or fish from the oven. Along with this Malvazija, we tasted the Premium Tartufi product, peanuts with truffles. They go well with this Malvazija, where the flavours of both truffles and Malvazija are enhanced.
Cabernet Sauvignon Banko is an intense wine aged in oak barrels for six months. It has more spicy notes, even eastern spices like cloves, and would go well with a serious steak or other red meat. Perhaps best with prosciutto because Mario Banko arrives from Tinjan, the municipality of Istrian prosciutto, who chases awards as much as the thirst for a good drop.
The pleasant Rose of the Monte Ricco winery arrives from Rovinj. Perfect for hot summer days, this Rosé's freshness makes high temperatures more pleasant and bearable, with intense notes of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Its medium body and well-balanced acidity make it ideal for enjoying with salads, seafood, and light cheeses.
Lovers of dessert wines will not remain indifferent to Muscat yellow from the Fuhtar winery, whose straw yellow colour and notes of honey, orange peel, and almonds perfectly accompany the traditional Pazin cookies from the Erman pastry shop in Žminj. The wine is semi-sweet, but on the other hand it has good freshness and is tasty with a medium body. On the aftertaste, there is a note of ripe peach, the wine is harmonious, drinks well and goes well with sugar candy, traditionally eaten with Malvazija.
Wine Bar Šinjorina is a place to enjoy wine and learn, socialise, and connect with local culture through the rich flavours of Istria. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this is where hedonism, tradition, and passion for wines meet. We immensely enjoyed our visit to Šinjorina, and it seems that Žminj will soon become an indispensable point for all wine lovers!
Wine Bar & Shop Šinjorina
Pazinska 1b, Žminj
sinjorina.wineshop@gmail.com
+385 92 2989 664
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