Recently, I had the pleasure of tasting a variety of Croatian wines from the Dalmatia region. The tasting was provided by Croatian Premium Wine Importers. I had never tried Croatian wines, but I was excited to try something new! Always a good idea by the way.
I did some research about Croatia and its grape growing regions prior to going to the tasting so I’d at least be a bit familiar. So, here’s what I learned:
- Croatia has 4 main wine regions: Croatian Uplands, Slavonia & the Croatian Danube, Istria & Kvarner, and Dalmatia.
- Each region has its own unique climate, soils, and grape varietals.
- Number of indigenous varieties of grapes: over 120
- Wine was produced in Croatia over 2500 years ago
- Croatia has 2 distinct climates: Continental (cool to moderate) & Mediterranean (moderate to warm)
Originally, wine was produced in Croatia for personal consumption. Even today about half of the vineyards produce wine for personal use. The wine produced for commercial use is still mostly purchased within Croatia and hasn’t been exported to the world. It is fairly unknown in the wine world but is becoming more popular as importers bring these unique varietals to market.
Some of the most well-known varietals in Croatia are Graševina (grown in Slavonia) and Plavac Mali (grown in Dalmatia). There are several other varietals native to Croatia (many are unpronounceable but make great wine) and they also produce varietals that are familiar: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah.
We will focus on the two from the Dalmatian Coast region that I tried at the tasting, Plavac Mali & Pošip.
Pošip is a dry white wine. It is similar to Viognier. Pošip can be drunk fresh and young with a refreshing acidity and fruit forward brightness. It is delicious with a minerality that comes through from the Mediterranean Sea. It can also be aged in barrel for a more full-bodied and robust profile that reveals vanilla and peach flavors. Very different wine presentations but the same grape…isn’t wine fascinating? Pairing: Seafood dishes
Plavac Mali is a dry red wine. This wine is a chameleon…depending on where it is grown in the region, it can be full-bodied, tannic, powerful, and alcoholic or lighter, juicier, and fruit forward.
Most of the representations of Plavic Mali are the full-bodied variety although it is having success being produced as a Rosé as well. It is the most popular of the Croatian wines and the most well-known. The flavor profile is black cherry, spice, and pepper. Tannins can be softened a bit if the wine is allowed to breath in a decanter. Pairing: Meat dishes
If you’re looking for something different, explore the world of Croatian wines. Croatian Premium Wine Importers (croatianpremiumwine.com) is promoting Croatian wine in the United States. Check out their website for more information.
The wine is delicious, interesting, and unique. Give it a sip!
Cheers!