About winery
Their winemaking story in Croatia, spanning over 10 years with “Domaine Koquelicot,” is a captivating saga. Although they don’t own their own vineyards, collaborating with local producers in Istria has enabled them to create unique wines. “Domaine Koquelicot” is a small boutique winery that produces between 8,000 and 10,000 bottles annually.
The name of their winery, “Domaine Koquelicot,” reflects a thoughtful choice: “Domaine” adds a French touch to their vineyard, while “Koquelicot,” inspired by the simple, joyful, and elegant poppy flower, celebrates the fields surrounding their vineyards in Istria and southern France.
Their wine is crafted slowly, with minimal intervention, in their cellar in Gračišće. Grapes are handpicked at their peak ripeness. Whole grape clusters are gently pressed using a pneumatic press, and fermentation is spontaneous with natural yeasts in Burgundy oak barrels. Bâtonnage is performed until December, after which the barrels are sealed until the wine is ready for bottling. A minimal amount of sulfur ensures the purity of flavor.
After bottling, the wine is aged for at least a year before being released for sale. Their passion for wine, guided by a careful production process, results in wines that truly reflect the terroir and tradition.