Roxanich

Mladen Rožanić established Roxanich in 2005, returning to his native Istria after a career in mechanical engineering in Switzerland. The first red wine, from the 2005 vintage, was released in December 2008. Istria itself carries one of Europe's oldest wine histories, with production documented from the time of Ancient Greek settlers in the 6th century BC. The estate sits near the medieval hilltop town of Motovun, approximately 4 miles from the Mediterranean Sea.

• Founded 2005 by Mladen Rožanić, Swiss-based entrepreneur with Istrian origins
• First commercial release was a red wine from the 2005 vintage, launched December 2008
• Istria's wine history traces back to Ancient Greek settlers in the 6th century BC
• Estate located near Motovun, roughly 4 miles from the Mediterranean Sea

Roxanich occupies 26 hectares within the Red Istria subregion, named for its distinctive Terra Rossa soils: red clay rich in iron ore that imparts structure and mineral depth to the wines. The climate is Mediterranean, shaped by warm, dry summers and cool evening air descending from the Alps. The proximity of the Mediterranean Sea moderates temperatures and moderates the diurnal range. This combination of iron-rich soils and temperature contrast between day and night creates conditions suited to both aromatic whites and structured reds.

• Terra Rossa soils: red clay rich in iron ore, characteristic of Red Istria subregion
• Mediterranean climate tempered by cool Alpine air in the evenings
• Estate sits approximately 4 miles from the Mediterranean Sea
• Warm dry summers with significant day-to-night temperature variation

Roxanich grows a wide range of varieties across its 26 hectares, including the indigenous Malvazia Istriana, Teran, and Borgonja Istriana alongside international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Vermentino, Glera, Friulano, and Riesling Italico. Red wines account for more than two-thirds of total production, a deliberate emphasis in a region historically associated with white wine. The house style relies on spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, extended macerations of 28 days or more, and minimal intervention throughout. Some premium reds age for 10 years or more before release.

• Indigenous varieties Malvazia Istriana, Teran, and Borgonja Istriana anchor the portfolio
• Red wines represent more than two-thirds of annual production
• Extended maceration runs 28+ days on selected wines
• Some premium reds receive 10+ years of aging before release

Roxanich operates on biodynamic farming principles, excluding all synthetic chemicals and pesticides from the vineyard. Fermentation relies entirely on indigenous yeasts in large open vats. Wines are bottled unfiltered, with no additives and sulphites kept to the minimum necessary. The estate also includes a design hotel built into four levels below ground within a hill, integrating hospitality with the winemaking operation. Some labels carry the names of the winemaker's six daughters, a personal signature across the range.

• Biodynamic farming; no synthetic chemicals or pesticides used
• Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in open vats
• Wines bottled unfiltered with no additives; minimal sulphites
• Winery facility built across four underground levels within a hill