The winery is owned and operated by American-born winemaker Dimitri Brečević, who has become a key figure in the Croatian natural wine movement. Dimitri founded Piquentum in 2006, after gaining extensive experience in French winemaking, particularly in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.
The name "Piquentum" is derived from the ancient name for the town of Buzet, where the winery is based. The region’s karst landscape, characterized by limestone and red soil, plays a crucial role in shaping the character of Piquentum’s wines. Dimitri sources grapes from local, low-yielding vineyards that are farmed organically, focusing on indigenous Istrian varietals such as Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia), Teran, and Refošk. These varietals are well-suited to the region’s Mediterranean climate, with its warm days and cool nights, allowing for the development of intense flavors and balanced acidity.