Red Wines

At the top of the hill, right next to the vineyard, there still stands a stone with the cardinal directions carved into it — once believed to mark the very center of the Istrian peninsula. Centrum is a cuvée of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in a fresher, fruit-forward style, produced in stainless steel tanks with a small portion aged in barrique barrels. It pairs beautifully with grilled tuna, squid and pork tenderloin, and with roasted chestnuts it places you in the very heart of Istria, overlooking one of the most spectacular views of the region.

This wine is born in the finest wine-growing area of Buje, Contarini-Brazzania, where low yields per hectare allow the creation of top-quality wines. The vineyards are laid like an amphitheatre, ideally benefiting from the local climate and the mineral white soils. The grapes are destemmed and the must ferments in stainless-steel tanks at 18–25 °C for 20 days. This is followed by pressing and the completion of fermentation (including malolactic) in stainless steel until the end of December. The wine matures in oak barrels of various sizes (barrique, tonneaux, large casks) for 4 years, followed by a further 2 years of integration in stainless steel.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje, at 220–250 m above sea level, in the Contarini site. The ideal microclimate allows the grapes to ripen while retaining enough acidity to give the wine fruitiness and balance, while the mineral white soil supports drinkability with its distinct mineral notes. Part of the must undergoes cryomaceration and, after gentle pressing, ferments separately at 14–16 °C. The wine ages on fine lees in stainless steel until spring, when it is bottled.

This wine is born in the finest wine-growing area of Buje, Contarini-Brazzania, where low yields per hectare allow the creation of top-quality wines. The vineyards are laid like an amphitheatre, ideally benefiting from the local climate and the mineral white soil. Alcoholic fermentation begins at 25–28 °C for 15–20 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation follow in small oak barrels for 18 months, allowing the noble aromas of wood and grapes to meld. The wine is then blended and aged for one year in a large cask, after which it rounds off and matures in the bottle for a further 6 months.

On the Terre Rosse site near Petrovija (close to Umag) both genetically very close yet distinct varieties, Teran and Refosco, grow on red soil. Both have high acidity and a large share of antioxidants, producing fresh, invigorating and long-lasting wines. Low yield provides additional assurance of aroma quality and the potential for long ageing. Alcoholic fermentation begins at 25–28 °C for 10–15 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation take place in small oak barrels for 36 months, helping to round the initially lively acids and tannins. This is followed by blending and ageing in a large cask for several months, after which the wine settles and matures in bottle for a further 6 months.

Teran is the most important indigenous black grape variety of the Istrian region, and young Teran is characterised by a ruby-red colour with purple reflections, which with longer ageing turns into brick-red tones. It is distinguished by a full and robust body with a lavish aroma reminiscent of raspberry, as well as other berries such as blackberry, blueberry and currant. The fearlessness and determination of a fresh Teran blend with the finesse and elegance of its strong character, while pleasant freshness and fine tannins provide completeness, a long-lasting flavour and good balance. This wine is ideal for longer ageing. It is produced by a fermentation process lasting 21 days and aged for eight months in stainless steel tanks. For a complete food-and-wine experience, Teran should be served at 16–18 °C alongside blue fish, red meat dishes and mature cheeses.

A varietal and elegant wine aged for one year in large oak barrels. It exhibits a vivid dark ruby-red colour. The aroma rests on dark fruit interwoven with nuances of aromatic herbs. The taste is finely dry and lively, rounded off by a gently bitter finish. Recommended with various meat dishes.

Franc Arman Merlot Superior matures partly in large oak barrels and partly in barrique casks. It is characterised by a deep dark-red colour. This atypically styled wine is full and robust, yet still pleasantly drinkable, marked by aromas of ripe cherry and raspberry with a chocolate-and-spice aftertaste. Discreet oak notes intertwine gently with the fruit aromatics, contributing to the wine’s superior overall impression.

Teran Barrique is a wine made from hand-picked grapes that reaches its optimal tasting moment only after it has achieved the desired maturity, which is why each bottle is sealed in a specially designed box. After ageing for 12 months in wooden barrels five metres underground, the wine requires a further three months of bottle maturation. For this reason, the box is unlocked only after 90 days using an app and a QR code, and during that waiting period the app sends the wine lover messages with insights from the world of oenology and the history of our winery. After three months the owner receives the unlocking code, and the bottle carries the message “Time for your time”. The unlocked treasure is within reach – a ruby-red wine with noble aromas and mature flavour, showing the characteristic notes of forest fruit and a subtle hint of vanilla, pairing perfectly with meat dishes, game, prosciutto and cheese, as well as various truffle dishes.

The wine is dry, warm, and smooth, with pleasant freshness. It is moderately tannic with fine, soft tannins. The wine is flavourful with a medium body. It is balanced, with pronounced flavour intensity and very good persistence. The wine is harmonious and easy to drink, with notes of red currant emerging on the aftertaste. It pairs excellently with veal roast prepared under the traditional "čripnja" (baking bell) with homemade potatoes.

At first sniff, notes of cherry and chocolate appear, followed by hints of star anise and clove, and finally a touch of lilac blossom. The wine is dry, warm, and smooth, characterised by its typical freshness and pleasant tannins. It is flavourful with a medium body. The wine is balanced, with pronounced flavour intensity and excellent persistence. On the aftertaste, notes of blackberry emerge. It is harmonious, easy to drink, and pairs excellently with gnocchi and game meat.

Arbor Cuvée is a blend of Teran, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot that will captivate you with its maturity and elegance.

Named after our family nickname, this wine blends regional wine heritage with Marko's personal journey, who embarked on a winemaking adventure without a family tradition, creating it independently and wholeheartedly. Although both of us, Lara and Marko, collaborate on all In Sylvis wines, Teran Baćun is exclusively Marko’s wine, showcasing both the robust character of the Teran variety and the Baćun family spirit.

A premium dry wine made from organically grown grapes. Beautiful ruby red in colour, with rich aromas of berry fruit. Full-bodied, harmonious and long-lasting on the palate, with exciting fruity scents.

Deep ruby-red colour with a garnet hue. Clear and dense, with muted reflections. Sweet notes of ripe dark berries reminiscent of blackcurrant jam, and spicy tones of black pepper, thyme and carob. On the palate it is soft, fresh and persistent, with gentle ripe tannins and a long-lasting flavour.

Sparkling ruby colour with aromas of dried fruit (raspberry with hints of currant and blackberry) and forest fruit. The wine has slightly lower alcohol. Its aroma is well developed and further expressed with ageing. The taste is distinctly pleasant and enjoyable, with a noticeable tannin structure. Fruit also dominates on the palate, and the acidity is beautifully balanced.

Ruby red with purple hues and the typical varietal aromas of red fruit, with cherry standing slightly in the foreground. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with pronounced acidity and lively, well-integrated tannins. The finish is pleasant and long, with a promising potential for ageing.