Giulio Ferenac Wines

A picture of Venetian sword in focus with a renesaince town street in background

About us

Every vine grows from its roots, as our skills from our ancestors

Family Story - Ferenci Roots

The legacy of the Ferenac family in Istria traces back to the 17th century, when a Venetian officer by the name of Ferenac acquired a vast expanse of land in the western part of Istria. It was here that he established the village of "Ferenci," originally known as "Ferenzi." With a vision rooted in the rich agricultural potential of the area, the Ferenac family embarked on a journey dedicated to viticulture. Over three centuries later, Giulio Ferenac Wines continues to uphold this storied tradition, producing boutique-sized quantities of high-quality wine in the very cellars and buildings where the family’s ancestors first set their ambitious vision into motion.

Situated on the distinctive "red istrian soil," the vineyards benefit from the unique mineral characteristics imparted by this rich terrain. Positioned at an elevation of 297 meters above sea level, the vineyards enjoy an ideal climate and conditions for growing Istrian Malvasia, Chardonnay, and a variety of red wines. The combination of perfect temperature and optimal soil composition contributes significantly to the exceptional quality of the wines produced here.

Today, the winery produces 30,000 bottles per year, with each grape carefully selected and treated with a boutique approach. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every bottle of Giulio Ferenac wine embodies the highest standards of excellence.

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retro digital art of a previous century vineyard

Giulio Ferenac, born in 1958, is the visionary founder who revitalized the family business. With a deep passion for winemaking and an unwavering commitment to quality, Giulio has been a pioneer in the Istrian wine industry. His efforts have not only honored the traditions of his ancestors but have also infused modern craftsmanship into the winemaking process. Giulio's dedication is reflected in the winery's acclaimed wines, such as the Cabernet Franc, one of the rarest grape varieties in the region, aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, and the Malvazija, a native grape variety of Istria, grown on sunny, gently sloping hillsides and aged on wine lees.

Beyond his professional achievements, Giulio has built a beautiful family with his wife Daniela and their daughters Jasmina, Kristina, and Mariana. The youngest daughter, Mariana Ferenac, pursued her education at the University of Agronomy in Zagreb, specializing in Viticulture and Enology. She graduated as a "Master of Engineering in Horticulture" and now leads Giulio Ferenac Wines with the same dedication and passion as her forebears. Mariana brings advanced techniques to the winemaking process, ensuring that the family's high-end boutique winery remains at the forefront of the industry while respecting and following the traditional processes and legacy of the Ferenac family.

One of Mariana's most prestigious creations is "Erudita", a Malvazija aged on wine lees in acacia barrels. This wine stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to quality that defines Giulio Ferenac Wines. With Mariana’s engagement and new vision, the best days for the winery are yet to come, promising a bright future for a family tradition that has thrived for over 300 years.

Ferenac/Our family is excited to announce several ambitious steps to enhance our high-end approach to winemaking. Plans are underway to build a third wine cellar, along with an exclusive private tasting room designed for intimate gatherings and personalized wine experiences. This new space will offer guests the chance to enjoy our exceptional wines paired with outstanding local cuisine, maximizing the potential for enjoyment rooted in tradition, quality, and exemplary wine presentation.

Whether you're a connoisseur seeking a deeper understanding of our craft or simply wish to savor a few glasses of wine that tell a story of history, dedication, and continuous improvement, our new facilities will provide the perfect setting.

Experience the legacy of Giulio Ferenac Wines, where every bottle is a testament to hard work, tradition and the pursuit of excellence. We invite you to be a part of this exciting journey.

Wines

Wine is a friend to man, if that man knows how to enjoy it

MALVAZIJA ISTARSKA

Picked meticulously every year in mid-September, our Malvazija Istarska undergoes a minimum of 10 months of maturation in stainless steel tanks. This process preserves the initial bouquet and potential of fresh Malvazija, resulting in a wine that captures the essence of Istrian terroir. The nose is graced with enchanting elderflower and floral notes, accented by hints of citrus that add a layer of invigorating freshness. On the palate, this full-bodied wine offers a delightful low acidity and a refreshing mineral taste, making it an ideal choice for everyday enjoyment. Its vibrant profile and exquisite balance ensure a memorable tasting experience.

CHARDONNAY

Our Chardonnay vineyards, positioned northeast to southwest, benefit from ample sunlight and low humidity—an uncommon advantage in Istria. Harvested in early September and undergoing malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, this wine is distinguished by its green-yellow hue and robust body, setting it apart from Chardonnays from cooler regions. The nose reveals strong fruity characteristics rounded with buttery notes, creating a harmonious aroma. On the palate, the wine presents a delightful interplay of citrus, brioche, and melon flavors, perfectly complementing the delicate tastes of Adriatic seafood.

ERUDITA

Erudita represents a modern interpretation of our time-honored traditions. This aged Malvazija spends a minimum of two years in acacia barrels, followed by an additional year of maturation in the bottle. Handpicked grapes from various vineyards ensure a perfect balance of acidity and a gentle bouquet of fruity notes, complemented by floral and tertiary aromas with a buttery undertone. The result is a wine that exudes proud freshness and gastronomic sophistication. With a redesigned bottle and label, Erudita heralds a new era for our winery. Production is limited to just 1,000 bottles every 2-3 years, depending on the harvest's quality, making each bottle a masterpiece.

ESTATE

Our Estate wine, a product of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, is harvested in early September and undergoes a brief maceration of three hours, resulting in a light salmon color. The nose is dominated by vibrant fruity notes of strawberry, combined with a crisp acidity that evokes freshness. This wine is the perfect choice for concluding a hot summer day or accompanying a light fish lunch. On the palate, it offers a refreshing herbal taste, rounded out by red fruit notes, delivering a harmonious and invigorating experience.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON BARRIQUE

Harvested at the beginning of October, our Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique showcases the perfect balance of body and sugar, enhanced by a deep ruby red color. This wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels (light to medium) for three years, followed by an additional year of bottle maturation. The nose reveals a captivating blend of herbal tones and mature red fruits, with a touch of vanilla. On the palate, smooth tannins are enriched with flavors of blackberry and raspberry, creating a wine that is both complex and elegant.

CABERNET FRANC

Giulio’s superstar, the Cabernet Franc, is handpicked at the beginning of October from a single vineyard in western Istria. This region enjoys year-round sunshine and low humidity, while subterranean lakes provide well-watered soil rich in minerals. Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, with an additional year of bottle maturation, this wine boasts a pronounced nose of forest berries and domestic cherries, accented by hints of chocolate and local honey. The palate is dominated by strong cherry flavors, complemented by gentle tannins and a smooth oaky aftertaste, making it a standout in the region.

SUPERB

Our Superb sweet passito wine is crafted from grapes picked in October and dried until the end of December in wooden boxes with optimal ventilation. Protected from the sun and exposed to the strong northern winds of "Bura," the grapes reach perfect dryness and complex sugar content. Fermentation begins in January, lasting eight months, followed by a year of stabilization and maturation in dark-colored bottles. The final result is an outstanding dessert wine with a nose of sweet figs, honey, and dried apricot, enriched with smooth carob notes. On the palate, matured apricot and cooked plum jam flavors are highlighted by tertiary aromas, making it the perfect conclusion to any meal.

Vision

Life is too short to drink bad wine

The Ferenac family, with their deep-rooted heritage and unyielding passion for winemaking, now holds a vision that extends far beyond their storied past. Currently owning extensive noble lands used for cereal cultivation, Mariana Ferenac is set to transform these fields into flourishing vineyards. With her professional expertise and vibrant energy, she aims to elevate Giulio Ferenac Wines to new heights as a premier boutique high-end winemaker.

Exciting plans are on the horizon, including the establishment of new vineyards, a comprehensive brand upgrade, and strategic partnerships. These initiatives are focused on delivering exceptional quality wines tailored for gastronomy, enhancing the winery’s reputation on the global stage. As these plans unfold, Ferenci village and the municipality of Vižinada are poised to become renowned destinations for extravagant wines, inviting all wine enthusiasts and fans of Istrian gastronomy to experience the offerings of Giulio Ferenac Wines.