Franc Arman | Wine tasting | Vižinada, Istria

Our beginnings

Tradition in a glass since 1850

The Arman family, led by master winemakers Franc and Oliver, continues to nurture the fundamental values of a tradition their ancestors began when they first planted vines in 1850. In the beauty and value of the vineyard lay the essence of life - the foundation of Istrian family survival.

Over the past half century, grandfather Edoardo Arman diligently planted malvasia and teran. Through hard work woven with immeasurable love, he brought the art of making good wine to its peak. Today, on the foundations of this priceless tradition, the Arman family continually raises its values to new heights of excellence.

Hand holding a tulip glass of pale white wine printed with the Franc Arman crest, against a sunlit vineyard lawn — A glass of Malvasia with the Franc Arman crest, in the tasting-room garden

Terroir

Tradition, passion and knowledge

Drawing on knowledge gathered since childhood, Franc and Oliver use advanced enological technology to produce wines entirely by natural processes. Five metres underground, young fresh wines develop in stainless steel; more complex, fuller-bodied wines age in large wooden vats and barriques - surprising even the most demanding connoisseurs.

1850 Year established
Narduči Vineyard
5 m Cellar underground
13 Wines offered

Narduči vineyard parcels
Parcel	Soil	Planted	Grapes	Character
I Narduči ridge	Flysch	1960s	Istrian Malvasia	The warmest rows. Early ripening, floral whites.
II Red slope	Terra rossa	1970s	Teran	Red earth, short rows. Body and raspberry in the glass.
III Lower parcel	Flysch with loam	1980s	Cabernet Franc, Merlot	Lower belt, slower ripening, reds for the barrel.
IV White terrace	Flysch	1990s	Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio	Cooler air from the wood edge. Freshness and citrus.

The cellar

Our wines

White, rose, red and sparkling from the Narduči cellar. Taste each one at the cellar door.

White

White

Malvasia

Narduči

Indigenous Istrian Malvasia at Narduči yields high-quality grapes - pale straw-yellow, floral-fruity aroma, fresh, warm and finely acidic taste. An ideal partner for fish dishes, seafood and pasta.

Pairs with fish dishes, seafood and pasta

Available at the tasting room
White

Sauvignon Blanc

Narduči

A wine of pronounced yet elegant, non-aggressive aroma. Herbal-fruit notes on the nose; tropical fruit, mango, passion fruit and citrus on the palate with an herbal finish. Medium-bodied and fresh - pairs with fine cheeses, fish and shellfish.

Pairs with fine cheeses, fish and shellfish

Available at the tasting room
White

Chardonnay

Narduči

A world-famous white grape that performs excellently at Narduči. Bright yellow colour, open aroma of white fruit and flowers, lively fresh taste with gentle sweetness and acidity. Excellent with fish, seafood and pasta.

Pairs with fish, seafood and pasta

Available at the tasting room
White

Pinot Grigio

Narduči

Known worldwide as Ründler or Burgunder, it gives excellent quality at Narduči. Yellow with a pinkish hue, fresh fruity nose with a pleasant dandelion note. Harmonious, persistent taste. Best with fish, seafood and pasta.

Pairs with fish, seafood and pasta

Available at the tasting room
White

Malvasia Classic

Narduči

Aged traditionally: after maceration and fermentation on native yeasts, Malvasia Classic rests 9 months in wooden barrels. Straw-yellow, refined fruit, flower and spice aromas touched with vanilla. Dry, soft, rounded with a fine bitter finish. Serve with fish, seafood and pasta.

Pairs with fish, seafood and pasta

Available at the tasting room
White

Dolcetto

Narduči

Crystal-clear pale yellow. Very expressive youthful fresh aroma with muscat and citrus tones. Full, rounded, lively sweetish taste. Ideal with desserts or as a refreshing aperitif.

Pairs with desserts and aperitif

Available at the tasting room
White

Le Divine

Narduči

A Narduči blend of several varieties, made for special occasions.

Pairs with fish dishes and cheeses

Available at the tasting room

Rosé

Rosé

Rosé

Narduči

Dry, 12.5% vol., 70% Teran, 30% Cabernet Franc. Attractive pale salmon colour and inviting freshness. Light, drinkable summer wine with citrus and floral notes.

Pairs with summer days and light dishes

Available at the tasting room

Red

Red

Cabernet Franc

Narduči

Varietal elegant wine aged one year in large oak barrels. Lively dark ruby colour, dark fruit and spice aromas, finely dry lively palate with a light bitter finish. Recommended with meat delicacies.

Pairs with meat delicacies

Available at the tasting room
Red

Teran

Narduči

Indigenous Istrian Teran at Narduči yields high-quality grapes. Ruby red with violet tones, noble forest-fruit aroma dominated by raspberry. Full, strong, robust and dry. Ideal with meat, game, prosciutto and cheese.

Pairs with meat, game, prosciutto and cheese

Available at the tasting room
Red

Merlot

Narduči

Dry, 13.5% vol. Franc Arman Merlot Superior ages partly in large oak barrels, partly in barriques. Dark red, full yet drinkable, with ripe cherry and raspberry, chocolate and spice, discreet oak woven through.

Pairs with meat dishes and aged cheeses

Available at the tasting room
Red

Teran Barrique

Narduči

From carefully selected high-quality grapes, fermented on native yeasts and aged 12 months in barrique barrels. Ruby red, noble forest-fruit and vanilla aromas, full robust dry palate. Excellent with meat, game, prosciutto, cheese and truffle dishes.

Pairs with meat, game, prosciutto, cheese and truffle dishes

Available at the tasting room

Sparkling

Sparkling

Perla Bianca

Narduči

Naturally sparkling wine made by the Charmat method, Brut, 12.5% vol. Rich effervescence and fine bubbles. Malvasia Istriana aromas of citrus and acacia flower. Fresh and lively yet full on the palate.

Pairs with aperitif and savoury dishes

Available at the tasting room

Tasting room

Wine tasting

Two tastings for 2 to 8 guests. Larger groups, please get in touch first.

Classic tasting

Native wines with a short guided tasting.

45 min 15 € per person
- 4 wines chosen by the winemaker
- The story of the Narduči vineyard
Most popular
Premium tasting

A longer tasting with the Arman family.

90 min 35 € per person
- 6-8 top wines, incl. Le Divine and Teran Barrique
- Istrian prosciutto and cheese
- Cellar tour
- Hosted by the family

A member of the Arman family hosts every tasting.

Gallery

Moments from the winery

Winemaker in a Franc Arman polo drawing red wine from an oak barrique with a glass thief

In the press

What is written about us

At the wine workshop Time for… at HKD Napredak in Zagreb, wines from Franc Arman winery in Narduči near Vižinada were presented. Winemaker Oliver Arman, with enologist Marijan Krajcar, introduced the family philosophy; sommelier Darko Lugarić led the tasting.

Franc Arman wines reminded us why Vižinada is one of Istria's most exciting wine destinations HKD Napredak, Zagreb
I usually open promotion pieces with the venue and winery facts. This time I decided straight away to write about Oliver Arman. In the past seven days, Franc Arman winery appeared at two promotions.

An army of good wines Wine writing
When a famous legend meets distinctive grape flavours, an exceptional wine rich in character is born. On Thursday, 13 March, delighted guests at MIVA bistro & wine bar in Zagreb experienced the premiere of Franc Arman's new creation - Le Divine.

Le Divine premiere in Zagreb - unique aromas and ancient legends MIVA, Zagreb

Before you visit

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance?

We recommend booking online or by phone, especially on weekends. Without a booking we still welcome visitors whenever the tasting room has a free slot.

Can I buy your wine online and have it shipped?

No - our wines are available exclusively at the cellar door when you visit. We don't sell or ship wine online.

Are children welcome at a tasting?

Children are welcome at the winery, though the wine tasting itself is intended for guests aged 18 and over. We're happy to offer juice or water for younger visitors.

I'm driving - can I still take part?

We can offer a symbolic taste-and-spit tasting or a non-alcoholic juice option for drivers. Never drink and drive.

Do you host larger groups?

Yes, with advance notice we can tailor the programme and timing for groups of up to 20 people. Contact us by phone to arrange details.

Is the tasting room wheelchair accessible?

The tasting room itself is on the ground floor and accessible. For a visit to the cellar 5 m underground, please contact us in advance so we can arrange the best option.

Contact

Come to Narduči

Tastings by appointment.

Narduči 5, 52447 Vižinada. We speak Croatian, English, Italian and German.

Find us

Address: Narduči 5, Vižinada, 52447
Phone: +385 52 446 226
Email: info@francarman.hr
Hours: Mon to Sat: 08:00 to 20:00 Summer 08:00 to 20:00, winter 08:00 to 16:00. Closed Sunday. Mobile +385 91 446 2266 or +385 91 574 04 98.

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Tradition in a glass since 1850

Tradition, passion and knowledge