Teran

Teran is a red grape variety that has been cultivated for centuries in Istria (Croatia), Friuli (Italy), and the Kras Plateau in Slovenia. The history and the usage of the name Teran have long been disputed between Croatia and Slovenia, and even though Slovenia registered the name as a Protected Designation of Origin, their Teran wines are mainly produced from a separate variety named Refošk.

The dispute was partially settled by the European Union when Croatia was allowed to use the name, but the wine has to be labeled as Teran – Croatian Istria (Hrvatska Istra). Slovenia later filed a lawsuit against the European Commission and this decision, but in 2020, The General Court of the EU supported the previous ruling and rejected Slovenian claims.

To add to the confusion, Refošk and Teran grapes have long been mistakenly regarded as the same variety, but recent findings show that they merely belong to the same family (Refosco). Varietal Istrian Teran is typically fresh and fruity with well-balanced acidity, firm tannins, and typical notes of berries and spices.