THE WINE ROAD OF THE BUZET REGION

On the basis of a superficial and rather shallow perception of Istria, there is a general opinion present, telling us that beauties of the peninsula lie at its seaside and that right here, within the coastal area, on the red soil, grow the finest wines. One has to be suspicious of such "convincing" declarations, though they might be supported by a quotation. It has been like this since the ancient times.
In the inlands of Istria, accross the hills, where the reddish soil turns into grayish, shading into white almost and has a clayis structure, presently nature the extraordinary vineyards whose rich grapes, cultivated with diligence and tenderness, at the vintage season are being transformed into rich, full-bodied wine. Most often, intro "teran" a wine rich in taste, of a dark red color, and into goldish malmsey, but also into antique, indigenous sorts, whose names have fallen into oblivion.
This wineroad takes us accross Northern Istria, following the narrow roads and paths meandering to the small villages and hamlets where one can run into the very old wine - cellars with indigenous wine brands. Wooden casks are small, some of the cellars lie still on the earthen soil; therefore, this wine is appreciated even more.
However, the Buzet Region has also its famous wine region, the "Wine Eldorado", as it were. That is the small town of Vrh (the Peak) on the top of the hill. There is also a magnificent view at its surrounding countryside. They say that from this point one can spot almost a hundred church-towers of the nearby villages. The southern hill slopes are fully covered with vineyards, while Vrh (the Peak) is known for its fine wines. The best in Istria, they say. There is also another unresolved wine miracle. Two families in the town of Vrh produce - champagne. How did it get here, in the heart of the peninsula? Each of the two families narrate a different story. According to the first, the secret of making champagne was brought into Vrh by a poor Austro-Hungarian noblewoman. According to the second family, an engineer of the Emperor Napoleon, building roads in the region was struck by a serious desease and abbandoned by his fellow friends. As in the most beautiful tales, he was cured to recovery by a pretty, young girl. In the sign of deep gratitude, the young Frenchman told her the secred of producing champagne.
Being already in the region, do not miss ancient medieval town of Buzet, take a stroll accross its narrow, pebble streets, and peep into the city museum and parish church. Also, look for the two smalliest towns on Earth - Hum and Roc, cross the tree - lined walk of the Glagolits, and stop there in order to try some specialities of the local cuisine, accompained by the local indigenous wines. The two together make the finest gastronomical combination.

Vintners and wine-growers of Buzet region

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