Croatian Wines- part 2

Rosé 2020

I know it’s not ‘Rosé season’ (is there really such a thing) and this is a (really) late entrant but it is crisp and clean and refreshing and everything you want from a quality Rosé. This is a blend of Cabernet %50, Merlot 30%, Syrah 10% and Teran 10%. Both the nose and the palate feature delightful notes of raspberries, strawberries with secondary notes of cherries and pepper. For those of you that believe there is a Rosé season, bring on summer! Pair this with Salmon, seafood and chicken salads and Tuna Sushi.  

Terra Rossa Red Blend 2020

This is named after the bright red soil that is predominate in the region. It is a blend of Teran 70%, Merlot 20% and Borgonja 10%. Medium bodied red wine with some nice balance and structure. Aromas of dark fruits invite you to take a sip. Your palate is greeted with layers of blueberries and blackberries with just a hint of gamey notes. I’m guessing the Merlot is added to tame the Teran which can be bold and tannic as a single varietal. This also gives it aging potential and needs some decanting to appreciate everything this grape has to offer.

Teran 2020

This is sometimes mistaken for the Italian varietal Terrano and for good reason, it is the same grape varietal but it’s best known for the Istrian offerings dominating plantings in this region. This is an earthy, bold red wine and typical of what to expect from the varietal. Nose is inviting with layers of dark berries, blueberries and plums dominating. Nice bold structure and tannins will require 5 plus years of cellaring to appreciate the full potential of this wine. At the very least, 2-3 hours of decanting. I would pair this with your favorite red meat dish, nothing less.

Festigia Castello 2017

This is a blend of Merlot 67%, Cabernet 23% and Cab Franc 10% and is blended from select barrels from their best vineyards to create this wonderfully balanced wine.

Impressive enticing nose of dark fruits, floral notes and spices present an invitation, to experience this delightful blend displaying depth and elegance with a generous side serving of finesse. Layers of black current, dark fruits and a hint of fruit cake with secondary notes of mocha, vanilla and baking spices evident on a long finish. Totally enjoyable and somewhat of a surprise. Its rare I get caught off guard, this is one of those times. An absolute delight to drink!

Muskat Zuti 2020

This is a yellow Muscat and is described on the bottle as a ‘semi sweet white wine’ that hardly does it justice. The nose is enticing with floral notes, white peach and tangerine peel. The palate show cases white peach, tangerine, citrus, floral notes and subtle baking spices. All in perfect proportion to deliver a beautifully balanced wine with depth and complexity and the perfect amount of sweetness. Reminiscent of an Alsace Gewürztraminer bur refreshingly different. Will pair with an array of desserts.