Let’s take a look at some of the wines from Slavonië (northeast- inland) and Dalmatia (southern coastal). The first two wines come from the Kutjevo Winery have serious history and pedigree dating back over 800 years.
Kutjevo Grasevina Dry White 2019
This is actually Italian Riesling probably originating in either Germany or Alsace but no one knows for sure.
It always amazes me that a wine this good can fly under the radar and be almost completely unknown outside of Croatia.
The nose is fresh and fruity dominated by apples, peaches, tropical fruits and floral notes. The palate is crisp, clean and inviting showcasing apples, citrus, melon and peach with impressive balance and minerality. This is way too easy to drink and will pair with seafood, pork, charcuterie and firm cheeses. Will cellar out to 2025 without a concern. Warning you now, when this wine is discovered by the drinking world the price will go up. We’ve all see it happen before.
Kutjevo Traminac 2017
Traminac has been grown in Croatia since 1710 after being introduced to the Ilok region, on the Danube, by Prince Odeschalchi from South Tyrol where it was named after the town of Tramin. What it actually is, is Gewürztraminer and one sip will confirm that fact. It actually rose to fame in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II fell in love with the wine and 11,000 bottles were ordered for her coronation. Just for the record it was the 1947 vintage of the Ilocki Podrum Traminac, which also highlights the difficulty in pronouncing some of the Croatian grape varietals and regions.
The nose is pretty and aromatic and pulls you in. The palate is smooth and round with wonderful balance and acidity dominated by white peach, apricot and delicate floral notes with secondary notes of lychee, ginger and subtle spices. This is an absolute delight to drink and about half the price of its German or Alsace counterpart making it even more enjoyable.
Just a warning: your palate will tell you there is some sweetness but its dry, not-withstanding you may think its sweeter than it is. Given that, I would pair this with mildly spicey Indian, Thai or Mexican chicken dishes.
Vinarija Peljesac 2019
This Plavac Mali is sourced from vineyards located on the Peljesac Peninsula in the southern part of Dalmatia coast. It is medium bodied and a delight to drink, especially coming into Spring, which is only a few weeks away.
The nose is enticing with floral notes wrapped in cherries and red berries. The palate is dominated by red cherries and red raspberries with interesting spices and savory notes. Delightful mouthfeel with impressive balance. If you like Pinot’s and looking for something different this is the grape for you. An hour or two decanting will help bring out its true character, after all, it’s only three years old. Will cellar out to 2027 and beyond. Pair with lighter fare including chicken, turkey, and of course fish.
Mediterano Plavac 2016
This Plavac Mali is sourced from the island of Hvar that is hose to several wineries, this being one of the best. It is also considered by many to be one of the prettiest islands in Croatia and is well worth a visit when you’re planning your next European trip.
The name means Plavac- ‘blue’ Mali- ‘small’ and is a product of two very old Dalmatian varietals. The nose is light and fruity with cherries dominating with subtle floral notes. The palate is velvety smooth with an almost Merlot and Pinot Noir feel. Approachable mouthfeel with a potpourri of cherry, plum and blackberry with secondary notes of vanilla and subtle spices. This is a thoroughly enjoyable wine to drink and should be paired with lighter red meat dishes, chicken, Tuna and Salmon as well as salads, pasta and pizza. A versatile, well-rounded wine for any occasion. This vintage is drinking beautifully now but will cellar out to 2027 without a problem.
Vinarija Dingać 2013
This is the same grape as the previous two wines: Plavic Mali but sourced from the steep slopes of the Zupa Valley in southern Dalmatia appellation and is considered the best of the best and most certainly the Flagship wine from Croatia. Dingać is both the winery and the appellation and arose from a collective formed in 1937 of approximately 550 wine growers. The donkey on the label is the only way to get the grapes down from the steep slopes.
This is definitely old world in style and lovers of French wines will appreciate this. The nose is dominated by notes of plum and black current with spices immediately evident. The palate is inviting and approachable (probably due to the 9 years in the bottle) with an abundance of plums and black current (no surprise there) supported by layers of blueberries, dark cherries with notes of chocolate, sweet spices and cedar. More richness, texture and weight than you would expect from a ‘medium bodied wine’. This well-kept secret is both a delight to drink and a gem just waiting to be discovered. Pair with your favorite meat dishes or something traditional from Croatia.
Vine to Table 