Duranija – A Revitalized Indigenous Istrian Grape Variety

Duranija is an old indigenous Istrian white wine grape variety that was even more widespread than Istrian Malvasia in the 19th century. As late as 1960, there were over 1,200,000 Duranija vines in Istria, but during the second half of the 20th century, the variety gradually disappeared from vineyards and was considered extinct.

Damjanić Winery is currently working intensively on the revitalization of Duranija, and with 1,600 planted vines, it represents not only one of the few but also the largest producer of Duranija in the world. The variety is characterized by large, compact clusters, very high yields, and naturally pronounced acidity, while being aromatically more neutral and sensitive to rain, which makes it challenging to cultivate.

At Damjanić Winery, Duranija is vinified as a fresh white wine, with emphasized fruitiness and pronounced freshness, thereby confirming its modern oenological potential and importance in preserving Istrian wine heritage.