Croatian wines that you must try
Croatian wines – Croatia is a real gem for wine lovers.
From the fields of Slavonia to the remote Dalmatian islands, as many as 130 native grape varieties grow in Croatia.
Croatian wine began to gain its place among the world’s leaders in 1996.
Research has shown that the popular California red wine Zinfandel has genetic similarity to Croatian grape varieties: Crljenak Kaštjelanski and Tribidrag.
Croatia, although small, delights with its geographical and climatic diversity, which favors unique grape varieties that are difficult to find elsewhere.
It is not surprising that in recent years Croatian wines have been gaining more and more fame, rivaling the excellent French, Californian, Chilean and German wines.
The potential of Croatian wines is also gaining more and more popularity in tourism.
Particularly attractive are vineyard walks combined with wine and traditional food tasting, such as „wine and walk”.
For example, on the Istrian peninsula, Croatian Zagorje and the Pelješac peninsula.
Red and white wines are mainly produced in Croatia.
Most of them are white wines (67%), while red wines account for 32% of total production.
Delicate and sweet white wines dominate the continental vineyard areas, while red wines are characteristic of the coastal vineyards.
Wines with unique characteristics are produced in various regions of Croatia.
For example, the Kozlović winery in Momjana produces Istrian malvasia, and the Planković winery in Hvar produces zlatni plavac.
Valuable wine suggestions:
Pošip
It is a straw-colored white wine made from the native grape variety of the same name, grown on the island of Korčula and other parts of Central and Southern Dalmatia. Pošip is the first Croatian white wine registered as a Protected Geographical Indication. They are distinguished by their high alcohol content (13 to 14.5%) and the aroma of dry figs and apricots. Perfect with fish, crustaceans and white meat.
Vugava
This is a white wine made from the indigenous vugava variety, growing only on the remote island of Vis. Vugava is characterized by a fresh, fruity aroma and creamy consistency. The fame of vugava dates back to antiquity. It is believed that the Greek historian Agatarhid had this wine in mind when writing about the best wine from the island of Issa. Vugava is a perfect option for hot summer days, it goes perfectly with white fish, sea specialties and lamb.
Babić
Babić red wine is made from an indigenous grape variety of the same name. The name comes from the family that grows these grapes. It is dense in structure and has a fruity aroma. It tastes best with Dalmatian pršut and spicy cheeses, pašticada and grilled meat.
Graševina
Graševina is one of the most popular white Croatian wines, produced from the variety of the same name mainly in Slavonia. It has a green-yellowish color and a distinct, fruity and floral aroma. It is perfect for serving with pasta, white meat dishes and fish.
Dingač
Dingač is the most famous Croatian wine, considered the „king of Croatian wines”. Produced from the Plavac mali variety, growing on the Pelješac peninsula, also known as Dingač. It is characterized by high alcohol content (average approx. 15%), pink-red color and fruity aroma. It goes perfectly with red meat, game, goulash and hard cheeses.
Vrbnička Žlahtina
The island of Krk boasts indigenous wine – Vrbnička Žlahtina. This is a quality white wine produced from the indigenous white Žlahtina variety, grown exclusively in the Vrbnički field on Krk. This wine has a light, fruity and floral aroma. It tastes great with sheep’s cheese, fish, light pasta sauces and white meat dishes.
Lasina
Lasina wine, produced in Plastovo near Skradin, is made from the Lasina variety. This red wine has a delicate taste. It is often used for mixing with other varieties and in the production of prošek dessert wine. Perfect for a variety of dishes.
Discovering Croatian wines is a real taste adventure. Each of them has unique characteristics, reflecting the diversity of the regions in which they are produced. For wine lovers, it is an unforgettable experience that allows you to delve into the history and flavors of Croatia.
