Teran, the Symbol of the Karst

TERAN IS A SPECIAL OENOLOGICAL PHENOMENON WITH A THOUSAND YEARS OF HISTORY, WHICH SHAPED THE HUMAN TRADITION OF THE REGION. IT IS A PART OF OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE AND HISTORY, MAKING OUR KARST EVEN RICHER.

Teran - a Special Phenomenon from the Karst

The Karst teran is a quality red wine. It is made in the Karst from the refosco vine (also known as “teranovka”) and in Istria (where it is referred to as “teran”). The karst soil gives it its characteristic flavor, and it contains a high level of lactic acid compared to other wines. According to some studies, Karst teran has a healing effect on the human body, acting as an antioxidant, helping prevent anemia with high levels of iron and arteriosclerosis, as well as helping lower the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood (in its pigments).

The birthplace of the Karst teran, the Karst wine-growing region, lies on the plateau between the Gulf of Trieste and the Vipava valley, at an altitude of about 300 meters with a harsher climate, and the silica and iron rich terra rossa. All this is brought together in the fullness, acidity and the high extract of the Karst teran. It is a dry wine of high quality, carmine red with high levels of lactic acid, which is the byproduct of the malolactic fermentation, and with a low alcohol content. Its strong features are also the richly fruity taste with a hint of raspberry or currant, a high extract, fullness, and harmony. Doctors recommend it to those with low gastric acid levels, anemia, and those in recovery. The acid has a soothing effect on the digestive system and appetite. It goes best served with gourmet dishes, grilled meat, prosciutto, wild game, and spicy cheeses.

Teran is a wine that is generally not aged, and is best to be used in the year it was produced. Some people make teran into a delicious liqueur.

TERAN - a Wine for Healing

The stark red color and the lower alcohol percentage make teran a healing wine. The carmine red is the result of a high level of biologically active red pigments, called anthocyanins. It has been proven that they prevent the onset of cardiovascular illnesses, as they help prevent arteriosclerosis, and lower the harmful low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Anthocyanins also pass into our brain cells

Teran is also rich in red pigments, called anthocyanins. When we digest the wine, some of these pigments are quickly absorbed by the stomach, part from the intestines, while most are dissolved during digestion. The small amount of these pigments that manage to find its way into the bloodstream is highly precious: the pigments pass through the artery walls, causing vasodilation, a widening of blood vessels, leading to increased blood circulation and lowering blood pressure. The amounts of anthocyanins in bloodstream do not reach the same high values that come from taking medicine, however the small cumulative effects have a highly beneficial effect on our health. The other interesting target of these red pigments is in our brains! Soon after digestion small levels of the pigments can be found in the brain. Are they high enough to protect brain cells from the negative effects of aging? A lot of facts nowadays point to anthocyanins helping maintain the vitality of brain cells. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that people who enjoy red wine in moderate amounts have better mental capacities in their senior years. It should be noted that scientists are still looking for the reasons for these results. Until they are discovered, we recommend drinking wine moderately. There is no reason to stop enjoying it: a measure a day helps keep illness at bay.
Prof. Sabina Passamonti