The Wines of Croatia: A Hidden Gem in the World of Fine Wine
- Silvia Vlakancic
- Oct 3, 2019
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 12
A Legacy Carved in Vine
Croatia’s winemaking tradition stretches back over 2,500 years, rooted in the time of Greek settlers who recognized the country’s ideal terroir. The first vineyards were planted on Hvar, Vis, and Korčula, and later expanded by the Romans, who valued Dalmatian and Istrian wines as some of the finest in the empire.
During the Middle Ages, Croatian monasteries preserved and refined winemaking techniques, cultivating indigenous varieties that have evolved into today’s boutique productions. In the post-independence era of the 1990s, a renaissance in quality emerged as small-scale producers began to focus on craft, terroir, and authenticity—resulting in exceptional, award-winning wines that are rarely found in mainstream wine stores abroad.
The Grapes: A Coexistence of Indigenous and International Varieties
Croatia’s varied terroir nurtures a fascinating spectrum of grape varieties—from time-honored indigenous gems to well-known international cultivars that take on a distinctive local character. In the sections below, we explore these wines through a sommelier’s lens, drawing comparisons to celebrated global counterparts to illuminate the unique profiles and regional nuances that make each variety so exceptional.
White Varieties
Pošip – Dalmatia’s Indigenous Gem: Originating from Korčula, Pošip is a full-bodied white wine with rich aromas of ripe apricot, dried figs, and almond, balanced by distinctive minerality from Dalmatia’s limestone soils. Over time, it evolves layers of honey and toasted nut nuances, evoking the complexity of mature white Rhône blends (such as Marsanne and Roussanne) while retaining a singular Dalmatian character.
Grk – A Rare, Saline White: Cultivated in the sandy vineyards of Lumbarda on Korčula, Grk is unique in that it produces only female flowers and must be co-planted for pollination. It offers a dry, mineral-driven profile with hints of white pepper, melon, and pear, evoking the crisp, saline character of Assyrtiko from Santorini. Pairing: Octopus carpaccio, oysters, aged cheeses.
Malvazija Istarska – Istria’s Signature White: Predominantly grown in Istria and Kvarner, Malvazija delivers a spectrum from crisp, citrusy, unoaked expressions to richer, oak-aged styles with almond and honey notes. It’s often compared to top Albariños, yet possesses a distinct Istrian character.Pairing: Grilled white fish, shellfish, truffle dishes.
Maraština – The Versatile Coastal White: Cultivated along the Dalmatian coast, Maraština produces wines that are fresh and floral when young, later evolving richer vanilla and stone fruit notes with age—reminiscent of a lighter Viognier.Pairing: Fresh seafood, light pasta dishes.
Bogdanuša – The “God-Given” Wine of Hvar: Exclusive to the island of Hvar, Bogdanuša is light, crisp, and floral, with delicate herbal nuances and a refreshing citrus finish. Its simplicity is akin to a well-crafted Pinot Grigio.Pairing: Salads, seafood, and light appetizers.
Vugava – The Rare, Aromatic White from Vis: Native to Vis, Vugava yields elegantly aromatic wines with medium body, showcasing tropical and stone fruit flavors with a hint of honey. It’s comparable to a refined Viognier, yet distinctly Mediterranean.Pairing: Light seafood dishes, fresh salads, soft cheeses.
Red Varieties
Plavac Mali – The Bold Heart of Dalmatia: Croatia’s flagship red, Plavac Mali, is a descendant of Tribidrag (the original Zinfandel). It produces full-bodied wines with intense flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, dried figs, and black pepper, akin to Napa Zinfandel or Southern Italian Primitivo.Pairing: Slow-roasted lamb, aged cheeses, hearty stews.
Babić – The Hidden Gem of Dalmatia: Thriving in rocky vineyards near Šibenik, Babić delivers medium to full-bodied wines with balanced dark cherry and wild berry notes, interlaced with Mediterranean herbs and spice—a profile reminiscent of a Rhone Syrah with a regional twist.Pairing: Prosciutto, robust cheeses, tomato-based stews.
Teran – Istria’s Iron-Rich Red: Known for its high acidity and firm tannins, Teran presents flavors of forest berries, violet, and an iron-like minerality derived from Istria’s red soils, evoking comparisons to Northern Italian Nebbiolo or Austria’s Blaufränkisch.Pairing: Grilled meats, game, truffle risottos.
Tribidrag (Crljenak Kaštelanski) – The Original Zinfandel:Revived from obscurity, Tribidrag is the Croatian ancestor of Zinfandel. It produces rich, velvety reds with jammy fruit and a touch of spice, linking directly to Dalmatia’s winemaking heritage.Pairing: Barbecue, slow-cooked stews, robust aged cheeses.
Frankovka (Blaufränkisch) – A Spicy, Elegant Red:Cultivated in Slavonia and Međimurje, Frankovka offers medium-bodied wines with bright acidity, red berry flavors, and a hint of spice, similar to the refined styles of Beaujolais Cru.Pairing: Roasted poultry, sausages, soft cheeses.
Vranac – The Deep, Bold Balkan Red:Native to the Balkans, Vranac is renowned for its deep color, high tannins, and complex flavors of black cherry, cocoa, and dried herbs—comparable to a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with a unique regional identity.Pairing: Steak, venison, mature cheeses.
International Varieties with a Croatian Twist
International grape varieties flourish in Croatia, often expressing unique characteristics due to the local terroir:
Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot: Grown in regions like Istria and Slavonia, these varieties benefit from limestone-rich soils and Mediterranean breezes, producing wines with refined structure and vibrant fruit, yet with a distinctive minerality.
Syrah :In Dalmatia, Syrah yields deep, spicy wines imbued with subtle saline nuances, reflecting the coastal influence.
Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc :Cultivated in areas such as Plešivica, these grapes produce both crisp, refreshing still wines and elegant sparkling wines, marrying international styles with local character.
Exploring Other Styles: Rosé, Orange, and Sparkling Wines
Rosé Wines: Croatian rosés, often crafted from Plavac Mali, deliver deeper hues and bolder flavors than their Provençal counterparts, offering vibrant notes of strawberry, pomegranate, and spice.
Orange Wines : Reviving ancient techniques, Croatian winemakers create orange wines by fermenting white grapes (such as Malvazija, Pošip, and Graševina) with their skins. These wines develop a captivating amber hue, complex textures, and flavors of dried apricot, nuts, and exotic spices, akin to the celebrated orange wines of Georgia.
Sparkling Wines: Regions like Plešivica are gaining renown for their sparkling wines produced via the traditional méthode champenoise. These wines combine crisp acidity, delicate yeast notes, and vibrant fruit flavors, offering a unique Croatian expression of luxury bubbles.
A Wine Lover’s Invitation
Croatia’s fine wines are the result of centuries of tradition, passion, and small-scale, artisanal production that remains largely independent of mainstream markets. Each bottle is a testament to the unique interplay of climate, soil, and human ingenuity.
Whether you’re drawn to the bold reds of Dalmatia, the crisp and aromatic whites of Istria and Continental Croatia, or the innovative expressions of orange and sparkling wines, Croatia invites you on a journey of discovery.
For an immersive experience, let Anchor & Wine craft a bespoke wine tour through Croatia’s most captivating regions. Explore intimate, family-run wineries and taste exclusive vintages that you won’t find in major wine stores abroad. Connect with local winemakers and experience firsthand the passion and heritage that make Croatian wine truly exceptional.
Raise your glass to a world of wine that is as rich in history as it is in flavor—cheers to discovering Croatia’s hidden treasures!
Croatia’s Wine Regions: A Diverse Landscape
Croatia’s wine-growing areas are divided into two primary regions: Continental Croatia (Kontinentalna Hrvatska) and Coastal Croatia (Primorska Hrvatska), each with its own distinct climate, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions.
1. Continental Croatia: Cool Climate Elegance
The interior of Croatia, stretching from the Zagorje and Međimurje hills in the northwest to the Slavonian plains in the east, is characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. These conditions are ideal for white wine production, particularly crisp, aromatic, and elegant styles.
Key Sub-Regions and Wines
Plešivica – Often called the "Croatian Champagne region", Plešivica is known for sparkling wines made using the traditional method, as well as Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. The region has also become a hub for orange wine production, with extended skin-contact whites gaining international recognition.
Zagorje-Međimurje – A northern region producing refreshing, high-acid whites such as Graševina, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pušipel (Furmint).
Slavonia and Baranja – Home to some of Croatia’s most age-worthy white wines, particularly Graševina, which expresses itself in both fresh and oak-aged styles. Slavonia is also known for structured Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Frankovka (Blaufränkisch).
Moslavina – The birthplace of Škrlet, a light and zesty indigenous white grape.
2. Coastal Croatia: Mediterranean Terroir at Its Finest
Running from Istria in the north to Dalmatia in the south, the Adriatic coastline enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a strong maritime influence. This region is known for both rich, full-bodied reds and mineral-driven whites.
Istria and Kvarner: The Northern Coast
Istria, Croatia’s largest peninsula, is often compared to Tuscany for its rolling hills, medieval villages, and premium wine production.
Malvazija Istarska – The flagship grape of Istria, producing fresh, citrusy wines with floral and almond notes. Oak-aged versions develop depth and complexity.
Teran – A bold, earthy red with high acidity and pronounced minerality, often compared to Syrah.
Refošk (Refosco) – A dark, tannic red wine with flavors of plums and forest berries.
Kvarner Islands – Home to rare indigenous varieties like Žlahtina, a crisp white wine grown primarily on Krk Island.
Dalmatia: Islands and Coastal Vineyards
Dalmatia is the heart of Croatian red wine production, particularly from Plavac Mali, a powerful and age-worthy variety. The region’s limestone hills, sun-exposed terraces, and ancient vineyards produce wines with incredible depth.
Dingač and Postup (Pelješac Peninsula) – The most prestigious appellations for Plavac Mali, producing intense, dark-fruited wines with firm tannins and high alcohol.
Korčula – Known for Pošip, a full-bodied, aromatic white with notes of ripe pear, citrus, and almonds. The rare Grk grape is also cultivated here.
Hvar – Produces both Bogdanuša, a delicate and floral white, and Plavac Mali, which thrives in the island’s sun-drenched vineyards.
Vis – The birthplace of Vugava, an aromatic white wine with tropical fruit and honeyed flavors.
Brač and Šolta – Producing smaller quantities of Plavac Mali and the rare Dobričić, believed to be an ancestor of Plavac Mali.
A Taste at the Source
Croatia’s fine wines are the result of centuries of tradition, passion, and innovative small-batch production that remains largely independent of mainstream markets. These exclusive expressions of terroir are best experienced at the source—visiting family-run wineries and boutique estates where history comes alive with every sip.
For a truly immersive experience, let Anchor & Wine curate a personalized tour that takes you through Croatia’s most renowned wine regions. From the rugged, sun-drenched slopes of Dalmatia to the cool, rolling hills of Slavonia, explore the hidden gems of Croatian winemaking with private tastings and guided vineyard tours led by local experts.
Raise your glass and join us in discovering the extraordinary wines of Croatia—a land where every bottle tells a story, and every sip is a journey through time.
コメント