Are you in the mood for some ‘black bitter’?

Negroamaro is the darling grape of Salento, which makes up the heel of Italy down south in Puglia. The grape’s name translates to black (negro) and bitter (amaro). It’s a grape that Charine and I are familiar with. During our time in Singapore, it seemed like every Italian restaurant was owned by a Puglian, which meant that Negroamaro was a standard house pour.

Most Italian wine lovers have drunk Negroamaro without knowing it. The wine known as Salice Salentino is made from the grape and is the most well-known DOC of Puglia.

Negroamaro produces dense, exciting rosés in addition to deep-colored, rich, and earthy red wines. It’s at home in the eastern part of the Salento peninsula and does best grown as a bush vine. The Salento peninsula is sun-baked, flat, and arid which means the best wines come from old vines that have developed a deep root system.

Negroamaro Stories 2019

The Negroamaro Stories 2019 marked the third time I’ve visited Salento in the last year. It’s inspiring to see the effort some of these producers are making to chase quality. It’s not perfect in Puglia, as there are plenty of overripe and oxidized wines being put into the bottle, but there are some wonderful wines on offer.

The style where Negroamaro shines is rosato, a deeper colored rosé. If you head to this part of Italy on holiday, you can be sure that nearly every darker colored Negroamaro rosato will be good. Unfortunately, this style is losing steam as consumers want lighter colored and less complex rosé wines.

While the grape is probably best suited for rosato, there are some delicious, everyday reds being made. Some of the more ambitious producers have crafted with complex age-worthy examples too. Don’t expect these reds to last decades, but do expect them to outperform their price points after seven to nine years in the bottle.

Wine Recommendations:

You can find out more about our scoring system on the WINE RATING page.

• Taurino Francesco, Espra 2018

Francesco is the son of the late Cosimo Taurino. He branched off several years ago to start his own project. The Taurino Francesco Espra Rosato is made from Negroamaro. It’s cherry-colored with an orange rim and notes of red cherry, dried strawberry, and orange peel. This is full-bodied and deep in color with tangy acidity and an orange candy type of finish. This is a Rosato that begs for food. Score: 89/100

• Cosimo Taurino, Notarpanaro 2010

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Cosimo Taurino is a pioneer of Pugliese wine, he worked hard to promote Negroamaro. The Cosimo Taurino Notarpanaro was the first label in the winery’s portfolio. It’s made from 100% Negroamaro. There are notes of rubber, cherry, red raspberry, chocolate, Mediterranean brush, and pepper. Full-bodied and developed wine with chewy tannins. It has rusticity but in a good way. Score: 90+/100

• Cosimo Taurino, Patriglione 2013

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The Cosimo Taurino Patriglione is an iconic Southern Italian wine made from 100% Negroamaro. It’s made from grapes partially dried on the vine. There are notes of dried strawberry, leather, tobacco, raspberry, and pepper. Rich and full-bodied but the fruit isn’t jammy. There is a good balance and the wine has sweet, fine grained tannins. This is a wine of real character. Score: 92/100 

• Feudi di Guagnano, DieciAnni 2017

So this isn’t a Negroamaro, but it’s such a beautiful, inexpensive wine that is worth seeking out. The Feudi di Guagnano DieciAnni Malvasia Nera is aged in stainless steel. There are notes of red plum, black olive, incense, and crushed flower. This is full-bodied, spicy, and unique. It’s a red Pugliese wine that isn’t overly jammy. Full in body with alcohol balanced and under control with a long finish. This wine offers a ton of character for the money. Score: 90/100

• Feudi di Guagnano, Cupone Salice Salentino 2016

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The Feudi di Guagnano Cupone is a well made, modern Salice Salentino. It is a blend of Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera, aged for 24 months in tonneaux. It is a pretty wine, which is unique for a Pugliese red. Notes of dried strawberry, dried raspberry, cedar, and tobacco. Really complex red wine for the price. Full in body with a long, complex finish. Score: 90+/100

• Cantina Leuci, Primitivo 2017

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The lone Primitivo…

Cantine Leuci has found a niché for itself producing kosher wines. The Cantine Leuci Primitivo is true to the grape and offers fantastic value with notes of raspberry, stewed strawberry, and chocolate. Full-bodied but not overly jammy like many Primitivos can be. This is smooth on the backend with slightly grippy tannins. Well made example of what Primitivo can be.  Good value for money, around 12 USD. Score: 87/100

• Moros, Salice Salentino Riserva 2016

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Cantina Moros only makes one wine, in small quantities. Their Moros Salice Salentino Riserva is an ambitious wine that is consistently delicious. There are notes of black raspberry, sour cherry, tobacco, meat, and baking spice. This vintage has more elegance and acidity than the 2015. It’s full-bodied but not cloyingly big. Aged one year in barrique and one in the bottle, it’s a vibrant Southern Italian wine with chewy tannins. Score: 92/100

*You can check out the cellar and Charine’s thought of this wine in the video below.

• Enotria, Rosato Flowers 2018

Enotria is a cooperative that has recently taken on new leadership. One of the first wines from this new era is the Enotria Rosato Flowers. Fresh and full of strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon. This is traditional rosé and a modern style. Fruity and full of juiciness, this is easy drinking and delicious. I’m a big fan of cooperative wineries and hope that Enotria has a rebirth with their new leadership. 86/100

• Cantele, Rohesio Negroamaro 2018

Find or buy on Salento Wine Shop.

Cantele makes two rosatos from Negroamaro, a basic one and this Rohesio Negroamaro made from old vines. It’s deeper in color with notes of strawberry, tangerine, and cherry. This is a full-bodied rosato with a touch of tannins and a long finish. Score: 90/100

• Cantele, Salice Salentino Riserva 2015

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva is a fabulous, inexpensive red wine. Black raspberry, red plum, rubber, and Mediterranean herb. It’s full-bodied with a lot of dark fruit. It’s plush on the palate with a little bit of grip. Very food-friendly with plenty of Italian flair. Score: 89/100

Many of these wines can also be found on Salento Wine Shop with shipping EU-wide and to the USA.

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Thanks to the Pugliese Tourism Board for providing transport and accommodation during our stay in Guagnano. Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Negroamaro Stories: Italian Rosato and More appeared first on Wine Travel.

In the Spring of 2018, we set out on a re-tour of Croatia to bring our book Cracking Croatian Wine: A Visitor Friendly-Guide to life. There was so much to share about Dalmatia that we ended up shooting five episodes on the region. This is the fifth and final episode about Dalmatia, ‘Cracking Croatian Wine In Brač & Hvar’.

The Croatian Wine Islands Brač & Hvar

Two of the most famous Croatian wine islands in Southern Dalmatia are Brač and Hvar. The latter is known for its long history of viticulture and is home to the longest continuously planted vineyard site in the world, the Stari Grad Plain. Brač also has a long history of viticulture that is being revived by one modern producer.

Both islands give way to spectacular views of steep mountains, old villages, and the deep blue Adriatic Sea. They are also home to some of the most famous Croatian wine producers. Nearly all of these wineries work with the red Croatian wine grape Plavac Mali, which can give stunning results on both islands.

Watch “Cracking Croatian Wine in Brač & Hvar” on Exotic Wine Travel YouTube:

Timestamps: Cracking Croatian Wine in Brač & Hvar

(1:02) Join us on a ferry trip from mainland Dalmatia to the island of Hvar. The beautiful ferry ride gives way to spectacular views of the Makarska Riviera. Once on the island, a small two-lane road transverses the island all the way to Hvar Town.

(1:37) Check out the Pitve Tunnel. This 1.4 kilometers long tunnel connects the north side of the island to the steep slopes of the south side. It is a one-lane road that is governed by a traffic light on each side of the tunnel. Traveling through the tunnel gives way to Hvar’s beautiful and wild southern slopes.

(2:07) Join us for a visit and tasting at Plenković – Zlatan Otok winery. This was one of the first private wineries established in Croatia. The property features the Zlatan Otok winery, a guesthouse, and a restaurant/marina.

(2:52) Have dinner with us and try a local specialty Gregada. This is a fish stew that locals used to make with whatever ingredients they had at their disposal.

(3:54) Meet Nikola Plenković, son of the late Zlatan Plenković. Nikola talks about the history of the winery and how the Pope helped in the success of Zlatan Plavac Mali.

(4:56) Check out the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Stari Grad Plain. This is the oldest continuously planted vineyard spot in the world, dating back to the 4th century BC.

(5:24) Get familiar with some modern wineries on Hvar including Carić, Vujnović, Plančić, and Ahearne Vino.

(5:46) Come with us to taste wines in the village of Jelsa. This village is home to Tomić, another Croatian wine pioneer. Proprietor Andro Tomić is known for producing soft, international style Plavac Mali that is well-loved by many.

(6:36) Join us for another tasting in Jelsa at one of the cult Croatian wine producers. Duboković produces a number of small production wines in a local konoba. He’s known for his Plavac Mali in addition to several orange wines from grapes like Bogdanuša, Marština, and Pošip. His herb-infused olive oils are worth seeking out as well.

(7:01) Meet Ivo Duboković and listen as he talks about the philosophy behind the winery.

(9:01) Take another ferry ride with us to island of Brač. It’s home to one of Croatia’s most famous beaches the Zlatni Rat.

(9:26) Meet Emil Mehedin of Jako Vino – Stina winery. He takes us on a journey to the steep vineyards of Stina. These exact vineyards don the cover of our book Cracking Croatian Wine: A Visitor-Friendly Guide.

(10:08) Taste with us at the Stina cellar. The stone building used to house a socialist cooperative winery during the times of Yugoslavia.

(11:18) Take one more ferry ride with us back to the Dalmatia mainland and Croatia’s second-largest city Split. The city is near Trogir, where Carole Meredith and her team from the University of California Davis tracked down the original Zinfandel, known locally as Crljenak Kaštelanski or Tribidrag.

(11:44) Stay with us at one of the newest hotels on the Dalmatian coast, Hotel Ola.

(12:03) Have dinner with us at Black Pepper Restaurant. This is a modern Mediterranean restaurant that has a contemporary take on classic dishes from the region. The food is innovative and delicious.

View, like, share the full episode on our Facebook Page:

The finest selection of Croatian wines

available at:

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    Do you want to try Croatian wines?    

If you’re looking to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With an abundance of options from different winemakers, it’s easy to find exactly what your palate desires. Not sure which bottle is best for you? Try out one of their curated wine cases and discover the perfect vintage for any occasion!

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Want to learn more about wine?

Are you ready to discover the wonderful world of wines? Come join us at wineandmore.com and let’s explore the incredible selection of delicious wines together! We can’t wait to share our passion for wine with you!

You May Also Enjoy

• • Making Cracking Croatian Wine

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Cracking Croatian Wine In Brač & Hvar appeared first on Wine Travel.

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In the Spring of 2019, Charine and I were invited to the 8th Annual ‘Balkans International Wine Competition & Festival’ in Sofia, Bulgaria. The contest is open to wineries from all countries located in or around the Balkan Peninsula. In addition to the contest, this year featured a three-day, open-air festival where around 100 wine cellars poured over 1,000 wines.

Although we weren’t on the judging panel this year, we did participate in ] masterclasses, dinners, and the open-air festival. We cherished the opportunity to reconnect with the latest vintages from producers in countries like Serbia, Greece, and Turkey. It was also a great opportunity to get our first, in-depth taste of what’s happening in Bulgarian wine.

Bulgarian Wines: Our Impressions

We have a lot of experience with the wines of Eastern Europe. The countries that are our blind spots are Ukraine, Russia, and Bulgaria. This festival and competition was a fine opportunity for us to discover the wines of the latter. During the week, we tasted the medal-winning wines from the competition and examples from producers pouring at the festival. Here are a few quick thoughts:

The Good

• Wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (both varietal and blends) showed correct flavors and high amounts of complexity
• There are several local red grapes that show promise including Rubin, Mavrud, Shiroka Melnishka (aka Shiroka Melnik), and Melnik 55 (a cross based on Shiroka Melnishka)
• There are fantastic wines at competitive prices compared to Western Europe

The Not So Good

• The five main international varieties still dominate (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot) which equate to many generic wines
• Many reds suffer from bad oak management

Best Wines From The Balkans International Wine Competition & Festival

Top wines from Balkan countries can stand toe to toe with great wines from more renowned countries. There were some stunning wines at the festival. Greece had a strong showing as many iconic producers were represented. There were also a few familiar faces from Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and Turkey. One of our favorite wines from Serbia captured the ‘Best of Show’ Red Wine Trophy (see below).

It is great to see that Bulgaria is an open market, with many wines from surrounding countries present – this isn’t always the case in the Balkans.

Exotic Wine Travel’s Picks:

You can find out more about our scoring system on the WINE RATING page.

Greek Wines

• Kechris, ‘Tear of the Pine’ Retsina

This is from a producer that wanted to make a Burgundy-style Retsina. The Kechris Tear of the Pine Retsina is made from a selection of grapes and is barrel aged. It is full in body with notes of pine needles, basil, white peach, and lemon. It smells like Retsina but acts like a rich, full-bodied white on the palate. Resin flavors are there but the wine shows a lot of harmony on the palate. Score: 90/100 

• Biblia Chora, Olivos White 2018

We love the Biblia Chora Olivos White and this vintage is another knockout. It’s a barrel-fermented wine made of Assyrtiko and Semillon with lots of potential to age. Ripe white peach, apple, passion fruit, and yogurt make up the flavors. The wood is integrated flawlessly, it’s weighty on the palate and the acidity keeps the wine alive and nervy. Long finish. Score: 92/100

• Monemvasia, ‘300’ 2018

The Monemvasia ‘300’ is a blend of Kidonitsa and Assyrtiko aged in stainless steel. It’s a Mediterranean white wine with notes of yellow flower, sage, and white peach. The body is oily and similar to a Vermentino from Sardinia, Italy. With a round body and bite from the ripe fruit flavors, this has real palate presence. Score: 89/100

• Kir-Yianni, ‘Ramnista’ Xinomavro 2013

We’ve been drinking the wines from Kir-Yianni for a long time. They do a great job with Xinomavro, a grape that we both love. This is not the current release, but it shows why Xinomavro is compared to Nebbiolo, especially Barolo. There are savory notes of tomato leaf and tobacco that go along with the red fruit and perfume. It’s medium-bodied with high acidity and grippy tannin and a long finish. If you love Barolo, it’s time to try an aged Xinomavro. Score: 92/100

Turkish Wine

• Arcadia, ‘Nareen Cuvée Michel Salgues’ Brut 2015 – Turkey

We tasted the Arcardia, ‘Nareen Cuvée Michel Salgues’ Sparkling wine during a masterclass and it impressed us. The wine is aged on the lees for a whopping 30 months and made from the grape Narince. It’s unique and well made with notes of pine, pear, white peach, and brioche and a fine bead of bubbles. For a Brut sparkler, it is a little sweeter than expected with a persistent finish. Score: 90/100

• Chamlija, Kara Sevda 2017 – Turkey

Mustafa Chamlija won a prize as the top Turkish producer at this year’s Balkans International Wine Contest. At the festival, he brought his top Papaskarasi, the Chamlija Kara Sevda. This is a fine and elegant wine with more concentration than the standard Papaskarasi bottling. There are notes of raspberry, cherry, tobacco. It’s silky, juicy and serious with fine tannins. Score: 91/100

Montenegrin Wine

• Lipovac, Tammuz Amfora 2017 – Montenegro

Lipovac is a small Montenegrin winery that produces high-quality juice. A big part of their production is made in clay amphoras. The Lipovac Tammuz is a brand new wine in the portfolio. It’s made with Kratošija (Zinfandel) fermented and matured in amphora. For a grape that is normally jammy and brash grape, this wine is very elegant. It has a pretty nose with red fruits, violets, pepper. The peppery finish and fine tannins are impressive. Score: 90/100

Serbian Wine

• Matalj, ‘Kremen Kamen’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

The Matalj Kremen Kamen 2016 won the trophy of ‘Best of Show’ Red Wine Trophy at this year’s Balkans International Wine Contest. We’re fans of this wine in every vintage. The 2016 is another fine wine (although not quite at the level as the great 2012). This Cabernet Sauvignon has cherry, tobacco, and cedar notes. The fruit is ripe and the palate is round and complex with subtle power. Polished tannins guide the long finish. Score: 92/100

Find or buy at wineandmore.com

Bulgarian Wine

• Château Copsa, ‘8TH’ Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Château Copsa is a boutique winery located in the Thracian Valley. The property and vineyards are heartbreakingly beautiful. The Château Copsa, ‘8TH Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the reserve wines from the estate.

It has notes of cherry, capsicum, cedar, and sweet cedar. This medium-bodied Bordeaux blend has fantastic barrel integration. The wood is used judiciously and the tannins are fine. Some may complain this wine doesn’t have a ‘sense of place’ but it’s delicious. Score: 90/100

• Edoardo Miroglio, ‘Elenovo’ Cabernet Franc 2016

Edoardo Miroglio is known for his sparkling wines and his reserve red wines named Elenovo. While we’re fans of the Elenovo Mavrud, Elenovo Rubin, Elenovo Cabernet Sauvignon, the Edoardo Miroglio Elenovo Cabernet Franc stole the show. It’s rich and ripe Cabernet Franc aged in oak for 24 months. It has the typical Cabernet Franc notes of cherry, black olive, oak, and capsicum. The wine is full in body with a silky mid-palate and grippy tannins. Think Chinon in a ripe year. Score: 90/100

• Orbelia, Sandanski Misket 2016

The Orbelia Sandanski Misket isn’t the greatest white wine in the world, but it’s a fine example of the Bulgarian grape Misket. This is a fantastic summer sipper. The wine is crisp and easy with notes of white flower, mineral, flint, and peach. For a grape that struggles to keep freshness, this has plenty of lemony acidity. It’s similar to a more floral Muscadet Sur Lie from France. Score: 88/100

• Zelanos, ‘Z’ Cabernet Franc 2016

While Bulgaria has the reputation of producing wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon, we had several fantastic varietal Cabernet Francs at the show, including this Zelanos ‘Z’ Cabernet Franc 2016. The wine is aged in French oak for 10 months and has capsicum, black olive, cherry notes. Full and silky with grippy tannin. Score: 90/100

• Vinex Preslav, Rubyiat 2017

Yes, it’s another Chardonnay, but this Venix Preslav Rubiyat 2017 is the real deal. Vinex Preslav one of the oldest, quality-driven wineries in Bulgaria and this is one of their reserve wines, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay. It’s a big and buttery example. There are notes of pineapple, guava, and sweet vanilla. The wine is big-bodied, but not overly fat with a long finish. Fan of Napa Chardonnay can take note of this one. Score: 91/100

• Vila Melnik, ‘Aplauz’ Shiroka Melnik 2016

The Villa Melnik ‘Aplauz’ Melnik 55 2014 was one of the first Bulgarian wines we ever tasted. That wine is solid in its own right, but we prefer the Villa Melnik ‘Aplauz’ Shiroka Melnik. This grape is the original Melnik which is a late-ripening grape (unlike the Melnik 55 which is a cross that ripens earlier). This wine has notes of wild strawberry, pepper, tobacco. It’s medium-bodied with some tannic kick and a spicy finish. I don’t have tons of experience with the grape but something about the acidity and tannins tell me this should age gracefully and drastically improve. Score: 89/100

• Ivo Varbanov, ‘Feux d’artifice’ Syrah 2011

Ivo Varbanov wasn’t at the festival, but I met him for dinner one night after the show. He brought this ‘Feux d’artifice Syrah 2011, which is a blockbuster. This Syrah spends 36 months in French oak – both in 225L and 500 L barrels. It has the typical notes of black fruit, tangerine peel, and pepper. Rich and muscular with tons of texture and extract, the wine is full-bodied with chewy tannin and a long finish. This is very similar to top-flight Syrahs from Washington State (USA). 92/100

The finest selection of

wines available at:

Shipping is available EU-wide and to the UK.

Check out Wines Available in the USA.

************

    Do you want to try Balkan wines?    

If you’re looking to savor the exquisite flavor of Balkan wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With an abundance of options from different winemakers, it’s easy to find exactly what your palate desires. Not sure which bottle is best for you? Try out one of their curated wine cases and discover the perfect vintage for any occasion!

************

Want to learn more about wine?

Are you ready to discover the wonderful world of wines? Come join us at wineandmore.com and let’s explore the incredible selection of delicious wines together! We can’t wait to share our passion for wine with you!

Thanks to the Balkans International Wine Competition and Festival for accommodation. The opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Fine Wines From The Balkans International Wine Competition & Festival appeared first on Wine Travel.

In the summer of 2018, we attended the 25th annual Radici del Sud held in Puglia, Italy. The media program consisted of a wine competition, walkabout tasting, and a series of field trips. You can check out the events in the videos below.

Radici del Sud: Roots of the South

Exotic Wine Travel’s Picks:

During the course of the week, we had a chance to taste several hundred wines. Here are the ones that stood out to us.

You can find out more about our scoring system on the Wine Rating page.

• Sertura, Greco di Tufo 2014

On the first evening of Radici del Sud, we took part in a vertical tasting (2009 and 2013-2017) of Sertura Greco di Tufo. This was my (Matt) favorite wine from the tasting.

This has an intriguing nose of herbs, dried pineapple, and white flower. This Campanian wine is complex with a chamomile flavor on the mid-palate and a touch of spiciness. The acidity isn’t as pronounced as the other vintages but the wine is complete.   4.2/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Sertura, Greco di Tufo 2009

The grapes are grown on volcanic soil at 300-600 meters above sea level, a set-up that allegedly enhances the ‘sapidity’ of the wine. The high diurnal temperature range helps to retain freshness in the grapes. Tasting through the six vintages, I notice that a few vintages express overripe fruit flavors (but not bruised or oxidized), which offers a sense of sweetness on the nose. The younger wines are unctuous with a lemon-like acidity. All the wines show a good mix of acidity and tannins on the end-palate, offering refreshing astringency on the finish. Moving to the older wines, they gain fullness and harmony in the mouth and a hint of honey on the nose.

Oddly, 2014 (Matt’s favorite) is my (Charine) least favorite and 2009 is the one that stood out to me. Sertura’s Greco di Tudo 2009 shows fullness and expressiveness in the mouth. It has a slightly bitter finish, backed by acidity that gives a sense of freshness. The finish really wins me over: lemony-tinted long finish with a hint of petroleum and spice. The bouquet is dominated by tertiary notes, enlivened by a floral, vanilla sweetness.   4.2/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Coppi, Senatore Primitivo 2001

On the second evening of Radici del Sud, we tasted several vintages of Coppi Senatore Primitivo including 2011, 2010, 2008, and 2001. It’s made within the limits of Gioia del Colle in Puglia. The Coppi Senatore Primitivo is the flagship bottling of the estate. It’s aged in large casks and several years in bottle before release. The 2001 vintage has flavors of baked red fruit, Mediterranean brush, and brown sugar.  Its medium-bodied frame is supported by aged notes and resolved tannins.   4.0/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Cantina Moros, Salice Salentino Riserva 2015

Cantina Moros is one of the three properties of Claudio Quarta. This cantina produces only one wine: a Salice Salentino Riserva. It’s one of Salento’s most celebrated red wines. This effort has room to develop and will continue to evolve. Full of dark berries, Mediterranean herbs, graphite, and sweet cedar. Its concentration is framed by good wood integration. The Cantina Moros’s Salice Salentino Riserva 2015 needs a few more years for all to melt together and to reveal a new level of gloriousness.   4.2/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Cantina Sanpaolo, Greco di Tufo 2014

Located in Campania, Sanpaolo is one of Claudio Quarta’s properties. The Cantina Sanpaolo’s Greco di Tufo 2014 is a fabulous wine. Full of bright citrus, peach, and pineapple flavors. It shines with a mineral drive and a long finish.   4.2/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Coppola, Doxi Alezio DOC 2015

The Alezio DOC is a small denomination in Lecce, Puglia, and Coppola is the only property working in this DOC. The wines of Alezio comprise of rosé, red, and riserva (with at least two years of aging) made from the grapes Negroamaro, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Malvasia Nera. The Alezio DOC is only 150 meters away from the sea; winemakers believe that this close distance enhances a wine’s ‘sapidity’, especially in dryer vintages. The soil type here is predominantly terra rossa with some fossil, clay, and sand.

According to the proprietors of Coppola, Negroamaro expresses Alezio’s warm climate, not through cooked fruit flavors but, through its tannic strength. To make a balanced Negroamaro wine, the proprietors focus on shielding the grapes from the sun and have yet to experience a vintage where they struggle with losing excessive acidity or gaining too much sugar in the grapes.

Made with Negroamaro, the Coppola Doxi Alezio is the reserve wine of Coppola. It has cherry, pepper, tobacco, and cedar notes. Medium bodied and juicy with good oak integration and soft tannins. The Coppola’s Doxi Alezio DOC 2015 is easy to drink and boasts a good QPR.   4.1/5

• Garofano, Girofle Rosé 2011

Garofano is one of the most popular names in Puglia. We visited the estate and took part in a vertical of Girofle Rosé, which is made from Negroamaro grapes of younger vines (about 12 years old) planted in the Copertino DOC. The vintages tasted were 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2011.

Through the vertical tasting, we learned that

• The Garofano’s Girofle Rosé always has around 13% ABV.
• The color of Garofano’s Girofle Rosé stabilizes after the first year—besides 2017, all the wines are in a similar shade of copper.
• There are a few consistent characteristics in all of the vintages: bitter grapefruit finish, astringent freshness, a hint of Mediterranean herb flavor, and a jasmine flower undertone. These rosés taste fuller with bigger shoulders and without the usual lemony, limey freshness that can be found in typical rosé wines. 
• These wines need time to open up as the flavors are so compact and complex. The older vintages express pronounced overripe stone fruit and honey wax flavors that calm down with aeration.

The Garofano’s Girofle Rosé 2011 is amber in color—almost like a macerated Pinot Grigio. The complex bouquet unfolds into notes of nuts, forest floor, mushroom, and fall leaf. This is earthy and fruity at the same time with a spicy finish. It’s a delicious wine with complexity and nuances, which sort of reminds us of an aged Riesling.   4.2/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Duca Carlo Guarini, Nativo Negroamaro 2016

Duca Carlo Guarini is another one of the big names in Puglia. They own vineyards on the eastern side of the Salento peninsula and focus on local varieties. The Duca Carlo Guarini Nativo is a Negroamaro that doesn’t see oak. It’s juicy and full of red fruit flavors. The low level of tannins and moderate alcohol make this wine enjoyable and easy to drink.   4.0/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Duca Carlo Guarini, Malia Malvasia Nera 2015

The Malvasia Nera from Duca Carlo Guarini is one of the winery’s staple red wines. This is one of the better examples of Malvasia Nera that we’ve tasted. It’s medium bodied with a lot of texture. This easy-drinking wine expresses notes of dark fruit, black tea, and flowers. It has a low level of tannins.  4.0/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• San Marzano, Edda 2016

San Marzano is a large co-op on the Salento peninsula. It’s one of the region’s big players. A blend of Chardonnay, Moscatello Selvatico, and Fiano from clay-soil vineyards, the Edda is their premium white wine. The wine was aged for around four months in American and French, new and old oak barrels. We tasted three vintages (2017, 2016, and 2015) of this wine, and this was our favorite because of its harmony. It’s also the least resinous and least viscous of the three. The San Marzano’s Edda 2016 shows flavors of dandelion, honey, tropical fruit, and a touch of petrol. 2016 is lighter on its feet than 2017 and more fruity than 2015. The Chardonnay’s structure and long finish of sweet oak make this wine a winner.   4.2/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• San Marzano, 11 Filari Primitivo Di Manduria Dolce Naturale 2015

A traditional-style Primitivo made from late-harvest grapes. The grapes of this wine were taken from old bush vines and the wine was aged for 12 months in French and American barriques. The San Marzano’s 11 Filari Primitivo Di Manduria Dolce Naturale 2015 is full of plum, chocolate, vanilla, and orange peel. It has a powerful mid-palate, small and grippy tannins, and bright acidity. This is one delicious sweet wine that will pair well with chocolate cake.   4.3/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Vitivinicola Marulli, Menone Negroamaro 2013

The Menone Negroamaro is the premium red from Vitivinicola Marulli, located on the Salento peninsula. This unfined and unfiltered Negroamaro wine was aged in concrete for 36 months. It has notes of black cherry, tobacco, and black pepper. It’s rich but not overly big. It has chewy tannins and some room to develop. Our friend Fabien Lainé liked this wine as well as you can see below.   4.0/5

• Ognissole, Essentia Loci Primitivo di Manduria 2015

Do you think all Primitivo di Manduria wines are plummy and jammy? One taste of the Ognissole Essentia Loci Primitivo di Manduria might change your mind. The fruit of this wine is from the Salento peninsula. Ognissole’s Essentia Loci Primitivo di Manduria 2015 is medium-bodied, perked up by juicy acidity and Mediterranean herb flavors. Notes of red plum, licorice, earth, juniper, and oregano dominate the balanced palate. The flavors show the warm growing condition yet retain freshness and do not cross the line into being “too cooked”. The fine-grained tannins and long finish make this one of the most approachable Primitivos we’ve come across.    4.3/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• L’Archetipo, Greco Bianco 2016

L’Archetipo is a fairly new, eco-certified (organic) producer in Puglia. We appreciated most of the L’Archetipo’s wines, and this stood out the most to us. The L’Archetipo’s Greco Bianco 2016 is white wine with one day of skin contact. Notes of ripe stone fruit and a touch of nuttiness. It’s vibrant on the palate with a little bit of tannins that hit the end-palate.   4.0/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Camerlengo, Aglianico del Vulture 2014

Camerlengo is a minimal-intervention producer in Basilicata. His Aglianico del Vulture is made from grapes of old vines. The Camerlengo’s Aglianico del Vulture 2014 is full-bodied led by fruit flavors (black cherry and blackberry) plus a hint of chocolate. This has rich fruit without the hindrance of oak and finishes with a lovely tobacco note. For a three-year-old Aglianico del Vulture, this is extremely approachable and deserves praise.   4.2/5

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

• Giovanni Aiello, Chakra Rosso Primitivo 2015

Giovanni Aiello makes small batches of wines from his vineyards near the town of Gioia del Colle. His Chakra Rosso Primitivo is made from higher-elevation vineyards on the Salento peninsula. He hand-paints all his labels and practices the minimal-intervention approach both in the vineyard and winery; hence, vintage variations in the wines can be surprisingly drastic. Giovanni Aiello’s Chakra Rosso Primitivo 2015 is a fresher style of Primitivo. Its medium body is packed with notes of red plum, cooked cherry, graphite, and earth. The tannins are fine-grained and the acidity keeps the wine lively.  4.1/5

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The organizers of Radici del Sud paid for our flights, accommodation, and meals. However, the opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. 

The post South Italian Wines at Radici del Sud appeared first on Wine Travel.

In February 2018, Charine and I participated in the Wine Writer’s Symposium in addition to Premiere Napa Valley 2018. We flew from Zagreb, Croatia to Detroit, MI to spend a little time with my family. We then chose to drive across I-80 from Michigan to Napa Valley in late winter. It was a long but scenic journey as you can see below.

After spending the week at the Wine Writer’s Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley, we took part in the tasting parties and auction tasting of Premiere Napa Valley. We attended the Spring Mountain AVA, Oakville AVA, and Stag’s Leap AVA tasting parties. Later in the week, we also attended the perspective tasting of 2013, 2014, and 2015 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon in addition to the online and live auction tasting.

If you would rather watch about the week at Premiere Napa Valley, check out the two videos below.

Here are our thoughts on the week (~9 minutes)

Exotic Wine Travel’s Picks

(You can find out more about our scoring system on the WINE RATING page.)

WHITE

• Robert Mondavi, Fumé Blanc To Kalon Vineyard 2015

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The Robert Mondavi, Fumé Blanc To Kalon Vineyard has a small percentage of Semillon blended in. It is barrel fermented. This wine has crystalline flavors. A perfect amount of wood and lees flavors. Full of toast, stone fruit, mineral, vanilla, and grassy flavors. It’s full-bodied with a long finish and crisp on the palate.    4.3/5

• Keenan, Chardonnay Spring Mountain 2015

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

This is a delicious Chardonnay from Keenan. It’s barrel fermented in French and American oak. Full of lemon, melon, and vanilla flavors. It has great texture while being crisp at the same time. Long finish stretched out by the vibrant acidity.   4.2/5 

• Spring Mountain Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The Spring Mountain Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc is barrel fermented with a touch of Semillon added to it. This is bright and expressive. Full of bright peach, gas, and biscuit flavors. It has an oily texture and a long finish.   4.4/5

ROSÉ

• Antica, Fossino Rosé of Sangiovese Atlas Peak 2016

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

This isn’t just a summer sipper, the Antica Fossino Rosé of Sangiovese serious rosé. While most rosé wines taste of strawberry, this wine is dominated by cherry flavors with a touch of citrus and watermelon. The yogurt flavor from the lees is complemented by mineral notes and a long finish.  4.2/5

RED

• B Cellars, Erlich Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2014

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The B Cellars, Erlich Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Vineyard is in the heart of the Oakville AVA. This is big, ripe, and round. It’s full of dark fruit, tobacco, and oak. The wine is extremely silky on the palate with a long finish. Built for pleasure now but will age gracefully in the medium term.   4.6/5 

• Vine Hill Ranch, Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The Vine Hill Ranch, Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 is dark, dense, and rich. The fruit of this wine comes from Oakville and is aged in 100% New French Oak. Flavors include dark fruit, plum, capsicum, and tobacco – oak integration is flawless. Highly structured and round on the palate, it drinks well for such a young Cabernet.   4.7/5

• Sherwin Family Vineyards, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The Sherwin Family Vineyards, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is made with fruit exclusively from the family’s 16-acre plot on Spring Mountain. This is floral, leafy, and herbal on the nose while being more fruit driven on the nose. Its round and creamy on the palate with developed tannins for such a young wine. It’s big but not over the top. A wine to drink now or age for a few years.   4.4/5

• Odette, Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2015

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The Odette, Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is 100% Cab packaged in a screw cap top! Beautiful wine with dark fruit, brambleberry, and plum. Plush and round with a graphite finish. The tannins are smooth and refined allowing this to drink well for such a young wine.   4.5/5

• Opus One 2014

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The Opus One 2014 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. This wine has a ton of character, it’s expressive at such a young age. Full of violets, black fruit, tobacco, and sweet cedar. It is round on the palate and big bodied with sweet tannins. This is a vintage that drinks great right out of the gate.   4.7/5

• Clos Du Val, Three Graces 2015

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

Three Graces is the flagship wine from Clos Du Val. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This is red fruit driven with raspberry, cherry, and capsicum flavor. Medium bodied red that is bright and expressive. Chalky tannins and a long finish.    4.6/5

• Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, SLV Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

The new vintage of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, SLV (Stag’s Leap Vineyard) Cabernet Sauvignon is flat out gorgeous. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon full of violet, herb, and black cherry flavors. It has dusty tannins and a firm finish. The mouthfeel is velvety and the finish has a touch of orange peel.   4.6/5

• Matthiasson Ribolla Gialla 2014

Find or buy on Wine-Searcher.

Steve Matthiason is a guy that’s not afraid to experiment. This Ribolla Gialla was kept on the skins for two weeks. Full of orange peel, apricot, and nutty flavors. It’s true to the variety. Full bodied and clean orange wine with small tannins. Very solid effort by Steve Mathiasson. Drinking this makes us think about our days in the Collio hills of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.   4.3/5 

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The opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers

The post Premiere Napa Valley 2018: Our Favorites appeared first on Wine Travel.

Good news for Croatian wine lovers and wine enthusiasts residing in the USA. Wine & More, Croatia’s leading wine webshop, has just unveiled a mighty new limp. Adding to their EU-wide shipping, Wine & More has succeeded in making Croatian wines more accessible by introducing US home delivery.

 

If you decide to purchase wines, check out US shipping details, and uncover when you can expect so much-wanted Croatian wine at home!

 

“We worked hard to open sales channels in the US, and now, we can proudly announce that we can ship Croatian wines to the US,” said Dario Drmač, founder of Wine & More (Zagreb, Croatia).

 

The webshop will continue to expand the US selection and encourage readers to suggest which wines they’d like to see in the store. You can take a look at their full wine selection here.

Photo credit: wineandmore.com

We met Dario in the winter of 2016 and soon became good friends with him. Dario was instrumental in highlighting obscure and exciting wine producers to us during our research for Cracking Croatian Wine. So we have no doubt that he would do the same for his US customers!

 

As your enthusiastic advocates of Croatian wine, we tasted some wines in Wine & More’s US portfolio to create a buyer’s guide for you. What’s more?

Refreshing Croatian white wines

Kutjevo, Graševina Vrhunska

Photo credit: Kutjevo Winery, Graševina, wineandmore.com

 

The Kutjevo Winery, founded in 1232, is Croatia’s oldest winery known for producing highly sought-after white wines.

 

Type: A varietal wine made Croatia’s most popular wine grape, Graševina.
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Wine region: Slavonia and the Danube region
Tasting notes: Top-quality Graševina is the brand of the Kutjevo Winery. This wine has a fresh and harmonious citrus flavor, with hints of green apples and a strong minerality. Its long aftertaste reveals notes of chamomile. This wine is characterized by its balanced acidity, which adds a delightful juiciness to the overall taste.
Food pairing: Top-quality sea fish, smoked meat, roasted chicken or turkey meat
Price: $19.99
This wine is for you: If you’d like to try one of the most awarded, budget-friendly, top quality Graševina.

 

Meneghetti, Malvazija 

Photo credit: Menegheti Malvazija, wineandmore.com

 

Meneghetti Winery is widely considered one of the best producers of fresh Malvazija wine.

 

Type: A wine made from Croatia’s indigenous wine grape, Malvazija Istarska (pronounce: Mal-vahz-ee-yah Ih-star-skah), blended in small percentage with Chardonnay  and Pinot Blanc.
Alcohol: 13%
Wine region: Istria
Tasting notes: Mineral water, white peach, green apple, pear, honeydew melon, and with typical hints of acacia flower. A summery white wine with lime-accented acidity and slightly bitter finish. The Meneghetti Malvazija is a varietally accurate wine and a crowd-pleaser.
Food pairing: Pasta with creamy sauce, grilled squid
Price: $33.99
This wine is for you: If you like floral, fresh white wine or if you want to understand the sensory merits of Malvazija Istarska.

 

Stina, Pošip

Photo credit: Stina, Pošip, wineandmore.com

 

The Stina Winery has been making waves in the wine industry with its minimalistic labels, dramatically steep vineyards, and stellar wines.

 

Type: A varietal wine made from Croatia’s indigenous wine grape, Pošip.
Alcohol: 13%
Wine region: Dalmatia
Tasting notes:  This wine is full-bodied with ripe flavors and a rich, layered scent. It opens with dominant tropical fruit, peach, Mediterranean herbs, and vanilla aromas. Its balanced acidity adds a lovely juiciness to the wine. Perhaps the biggest charm of Stina’s Pošip is its structure and the broad expression on the mid-palate. It packs a bright, saline drive on the palate.
Food pairing: Prawn cocktail, shrimps, grilled white fish
Price: $39.99
This wine is for you: If you’d like to try one of the best examples of Pošip.

Korta Katarina, Pošip

Photo credit: Korta Katarina, Pošip, wineandmore.com

 

The Korta Katarina Winery, luxurious villa, and stunning vineyards are located on the Pelješac peninsula in Southern Croatia, offering stunning views of the Dalmatian Coast and the Adriatic Sea.

 

Type: A varietal wine made from Croatia’s indigenous wine grape, Pošip (pronounced: Poh-ship).
Alcohol: 14 %
Wine region: Dalmatia
Tasting notes: The Pošip wine has a lovely golden-greenish color that looks great in the glass. Its aroma is a mix of citrus, white stone fruits, and field flowers, with a strong intensity. It tastes full and delicious, with a subtle bitterness. This dry wine is very fresh and easy to drink.
Food pairing: Seafood dishes, particularly with shells and crabs.
Price: $39.99
This wine is for you: If you’re looking for a dry, extremely fresh and easy drinking wine.

Red, rad, and rare

Stina, Plavac Stipančić

Photo credit: Stina, Plavac Stipančić, wineandmore.com

 

A Plavac obtained from a single vineyard known for regularly producing high-quality grapes.

 

Type: A varietal wine made Croatia’s flagship grape, Plavac Mali (pronounce: Plah-vahts Mah-lee).
Alcohol: 14.5%
Wine region: Dalmatia
Tasting notes: Concentrated aromas of dark fruit and spice, with ripe tannins and surprising freshness. The wine has a long finish and represents the best of Stina and Croatian Plavac.
Food pairing: Beef, game meat, steak, mature cheese
Price: $89.99
This wine is for you: If you’d like to be wowed by the entry-level standard of Croatian red wine or if you want a value-for-money Plavac Mali wine.

 

Matuško, Dingač

Photo credit: Matuško, Dingač, wineandmore.com

 

Matuško Winery is best known for its stunning Dingač and Plavac Mali wines.

 

Type: A varietal wine of Plavac Mali
Alcohol: 14.5%
Wine region: Dalmatia
Tasting notes: A true Dingač’s flavor profile—black currant, raisin, vanilla, wild strawberries, and savory herbs. Dingač matured in oak barrels, creating a clear dark ruby red color with purple hues. It has a full, rounded flavor with a harmonious balance of astringency and sweetness. Hot tip: Decant this wine for at least two hours before consumption.
Food pairing: Beef stew, barbecued ribs, roasted pork belly
Price: $39.99
This wine is for you: If you’d like to have a quintessential experience of Dalmatian red wine or if you like big, tannic and warm-climate red wine.

Korta Katarina, Zinfandel

Photo credit: Korta Katarina, Zinfandel, wineandmore.com

 

 

 

Korta Katarina Winery produces an exceptional Croatian Zinfandel wine that has great aging potential. It is likely to continue to improve in quality over the years, making it a valuable addition to a true wine collector.

 

Type: A varietal wine of Zinfandel, known as Crljenak Kaštelanski (pronounced: Tserl-yee-ehnak Kashh-tell-ann-skee), Tribidrag, and Pribidrag in Croatia. Learn more about the story of “the original Zinfandel” in this article.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Wine region: Dalmatia
Tasting notes: This ruby-colored wine is both beautiful and elegant. The wine is lively and rich, with high concentrations, and pleasantly accentuated acids. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a firm structure, an abundance of cherry sweetness at the finish, and a hint of dark chocolate. After opening, the wine develops wonderful forest notes of sour black bitter oak, crumpled blueberry bush leaves, and forest soil. It has a long duration, a perfect balance between maturity and freshness, and an intense retro taste of cherry jam.
Food pairing: Roasted meat, steak, spicy food, ripe cheese.
Price: $69.99
This wine is for you: If you’re a wine enthusiast who can’t wait to check off yet another esoteric grape on your to-drink list.

The dependable cuvées

Delusional Wine Cuvée

Photo credit: Delusional, Cuvée, wineandmore.com

 

Mike Pulley’s friends thought he was delusional when he left his corporate career in London to start a boutique winery on the Dalmatian coast. However, his decision to become a winemaker in Dalmatia is far from delusional.

 

Type: A red wine blend of Babic (60%), Plavac Mali (30%), and Zinfandel (10%), also known as Crljenik Kastelanski.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Wine region: Dalmatia
Tasting notes: When grown to an extremely low yield, these grape varietals produce a wine with concentrated flavors of dark cherry, herbs, and stone. The wine also presents a dark cherry, herb, and stone aroma.Bright and juicy with good acidic strength.
Food pairing: Steak, barbecue sausages, grilled vegetables, lasagna, hard cheese.
Price: $39.99
This wine is for you: If you’re craving a red wine with soul to remind you to slow down.

Meneghetti, Red

Photo credit: Meneghetti, Red, wineandmore.com

 

In search of elegance to the last detail, taste some of the Meneghetti Winery wines. If you get the chance, visit their famed wine hotel, part of the Relais & Chateaux network, known for its high-quality accommodations and culinary experiences. 

 

Type: A red wine blend, Merlot (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), Cabernet Franc (5%)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Wine region: Istria
Tasting notes: The nose of this wine is filled with the delightful scent of raspberries and currants, complemented by spicy hints of vanilla, smoke, coffee, and cinnamon. It has a lively and fruity taste, with a soft and complex texture, and a mineral aftertaste. The fine tannins give it a pleasantly long finish.
Food pairing: Roast beef, game meat, hard cheese
Price: $99.99
This wine is for you: If you’re looking for a ready-to-drink, structured Bordeaux-style blend that tastes quite like an actual Bordeaux wine.

The post Buyer’s Guide: Croatian Wines in the USA appeared first on Wine Travel.

In 2001, a team of researchers—led by Dr Carole Meredith from UC Davis and Dr Edi Maletić and Dr Ivan Pejić from the University of Zagreb—found nine remaining vines of Crljenak Kaštelanski (pronounce Tserl-yee-ehnak Kashh-tell-ann-skee) in a Croatian town called Kaštel Novi, near Split. The name Crljenak Kaštelanski aptly translates to “the red from Kaštela”. The variety was later confirmed to be ‘The Original Zinfandel’. In 2002, additional vines known locally as Pribidrag, which bore the same DNA as Crljenak Kaštelanski and Zinfandel, were found in another Dalmatian coastal town called Omiš. These discoveries marked the end of a four-year study on Zinfandel’s origins, an undertaking that was nicknamed “The Zinquest”.

One Grape, Many Names

As we live in a heterogeneous world where people employ different languages and subscribe to various peregrinations, along with many viticulture’s clonal mysteries, this one grape goes by several names: Zinfandel, Crljenak Kaštelanski, and Pribidrag are also known as Tribidrag in southern Dalmatia, Primitivo in southern Italy, and Kratošija in Montenegro and Macedonia.

So how does one approach this nomenclature issue? Especially when nitpicking over nomenclature can often be a fruitless effort that delays the progress of a wine region’s brand identity (or catapult it if one can prove that it is the birthplace of a pedigreed grape).

* See Graševina Without Borders for another example of viticulture’s nomenclature issue.*

As written in Wine Grapes:

“According to the rule of anteriority, whereby the oldest name takes precedence, Tribidrag is adopted here as the prime name for this variety.”

Mentioned as early as the fifteenth century, the name Tribidrag indeed predates the other names. And from the perspective of a consumer or marketer, Tribidrag is definitely easier to pronounce and remember than Crljenak Kaštelanski.

Tribidrag: When Zinfandel Goes Home

Tribidrag is considered one of the “founder crops” as it is the ancestor of many other grapes including Grk, Plavac Mali, Plavina, and Vranac—all of which can be found in Croatia.

The Tribidrag wines tend to be fruit-forward with hints of herbal and spicy flavors. Due to the warm climate in Dalmatia and the grape’s propensity for uneven ripening pattern (a single bunch may contain both overripe grapes and unripened grapes), many also express dried fruit or raisin flavors.

Depending on the quality of the grapes, vineyard management, and the vineyard’s location and topography, Tribidrag can take many forms—as can be seen from the off-dry rosé (better known as White Zinfandel) examples from California, the bold and structured red from Mexico (recommendation: VinTango’s Zinfandel and Torres Alegre y Familia’s Cru Garage Zinfandel), the age-worthy reds from Ridge Vineyards, and the Zinfandel dessert wine from Dashe Cellars (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County).

Even though Croatia is the birthplace of Tribidrag, the Croatian producers are still in the embryonic stage of understanding and working with this grape.  Since the DNA discovery in 2001, more producers in Croatia have been planting Tribidrag and making varietal wines and blends from it.

Stina Winery in Brač, Croatia

Before 2016, prior to our first trip to Croatia, I didn’t care much for Zinfandel. The American Zinfandel wines often show too much residual sugar, hotness, and brash fruitiness that I can’t appreciate, while the Italian Primitivo examples usually lack structure and end up lubricating my mouth suitably but fail to leave a lasting impression. Matt, on the other hand, has always been quite fond of Primitivo and also introduced me to Lytton Springs (and I loved that wine).

While the Croatian wine market is flooded with many overpriced, rustic examples of Tribidrag and Crljenak Kaštelanski, dig past the surface and you’ll find the vinous gems—as is the case in the United States and Italy.

One of my favorite examples is a single-vineyard Tribidrag produced by Stina Winery. This winery has been shaping the discourse around wine with its award-winning label design, dramatic-looking vineyards, and its organoleptically superior wines.

The winery and vineyards are on the island of Brač, which receives nearly 2,700 hours of sunshine every year and is the largest island in Central Dalmatia. The island is best known for two things. One, its triangular pebble beach called Zlatni Rat, which translates to “Golden Cape”. This oddly-shaped beach has donned the covers of many Croatia’s travel marketing materials. Two, its main export since ancient times: white stones, which were used to build the White House in Washington D.C. and Diocletian’s Palace in Split. While the island is blessed with this natural material, it also means that making wine here is an art of coaxing softness out of stones. In fact, the name Stina translates to “stone”, as the winery pays tribute to this mineral.

Exotic Wine Travel’s Choice: 2013 Stina Tribidrag

Tasting Notes: Flavors of Mediterranean herbs, baked red cherry, and baked blueberry, along with an earthy undertone. The precise, robust structure is stretched out by sweet, chalky tannins. The 12-month aging period in the barriques shows up well on the end-palate as it provides a sweet spice and oaky finish. This wine is well-built to evolve further in the cellar—with adequate acidity, lots of fruit intensity, and generous extract—but also provide high drinkability now.

Food Pairing: Pasticada (Dalmatian beef stew), Janje Na Ražnju (spit-roasted lamb)

Other Recommended Producers of Crljenak Kaštelanski /Tribidrag / Zinfandel in Croatia: Benmosche Family, Rizman, Bedalov, Matela, Zlatan Otok

Buy Stina Tribidrag at wineandmore.com

What’s Next?

While this grape may come from Croatia, we should not ignore that right now Zinfandel is the most significant name from the qualitative and quantitative perspectives. As it is with all facts in history, science, and life at large, the truth is as much as we know and can prove to date. There are still people who cast doubt on the Croatian origin of Tribidrag in favor of a southern Italian or a Montenegrin one and consider the quest unresolved.

Its name aside, Tribidrag’s future is lucidly bright. In California, the Croatian vines are planted in the top “cru” sites of Ridge Vineyards in California, including Lytton Springs, Geyserville, and Monte Bello. There are plans to release the commercial bottling of these Ridge’s Croatian Zinfandel wines soon. The same is done in Croatia: a few producers have planted American Zinfandel cuttings in order to observe the differences between them and their Croatian counterparts.

The finest selection of

Tribidrag (Crljenak, Zinfandel)

wines available at:

Shipping is available EU-wide and to the UK.

Check out Croatian Wines Available in the USA.

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    Do you want to try Croatian wines?    

If you’re looking to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With an abundance of options from different winemakers, it’s easy to find exactly what your palate desires. Not sure which bottle is best for you? Try out one of their curated wine cases and discover the perfect vintage for any occasion!

************

Want to learn more about wine?

Are you ready to discover the wonderful world of wines? Come join us at wineandmore.com and let’s explore the incredible selection of delicious wines together! We can’t wait to share our passion for wine with you!

You May Also Enjoy

• The Mystery of the Zinfandel Grape by Financial Times
• I am Tribidrag‘s Website
• Carole Meredith’s interview with I’ll Drink to That
• Extending Zinfandel’s California Legacy by A Ridge Blog
• Classic American Zinfandel vs Original Zinfandel by Exotic Wine Travel’s YouTube

Feature photo taken from Stina Winery’s website, www.stina-vino.hr.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Zinfandel, Tribidrag, and Crljenak Kaštelanski: Same Grape, Different Name appeared first on Wine Travel.

Based in New York City, Cliff Rames is a freelance writer and sommelier. We first heard about him in an episode of Wine Library TV many years ago. Between 2016 and 2017, we spent eight months traveling through Croatia and tasted thousands of wines in preparation for our book Cracking Croatian Wine. During that period of travel and research, Cliff’s website Wines of Croatia was an indispensable resource for us.

EXPLORE THE WINES OF CROATIA WITH CLIFF RAMES

•  How did you get into wine?

When I was a kid, I found an interest in food and had a dream of owning a cafe in an exotic place, where I could cook and make people happy. In culinary school, I started learning about food and wine pairing. The more I explored, read, and learned, the more I became profoundly interested in wine. I still love to cook but would much rather serve cool wine than cook in a hot kitchen.

Eventually, it got to the point where every time I stepped into a wine shop, it’d take me three hours to emerge because I had to read nearly every single label in the shop in order to choose one wine for the evening. I still harbor the dream of owning a cafe, although it will probably be in Croatia and have more of a wine-bar theme.

• Food and wine are a pair that seems to partake in a higher order of inevitability. We know you as the Wines of Croatia guy. What other wine regions do you enjoy drinking from?

I’m a wine lover – first. I’m fascinated by the product of a place. When I taste a specific wine, I taste a certain place – which appeals to my sense of wanderlust. I was in France last year and fell in love with Chablis. I love the Finger Lakes region in New York, the Umpqua Valley in Oregon, Mosel, the Mount Etna wine region in Sicily, and Tokaj. I could go on and on. Every region has its unique nuances and charm that make wine so fascinating and appealing. It’s an endless journey.

“Tasting places through your glass is the wine experience.”

– Cliff Rames, founder of Wines of Croatia

• The more you learn, the less you know. We can relate to that, especially when it comes to wine. What turned you on to Croatian wine?

My father is originally from a tiny island off the coast of Croatia. When I was 16, he asked if I wanted to see where he was from. Of course I said yes. A few years later, he took me there, and I had my first glass of Dingač – a 1983 vintage no less. I fell in love instantly and proceeded to ask a ton of questions about Dingač. But back then, people in Croatia simply told me: it’s a wine, or it’s a grape, or that’s where the wine is from – nobody could give me a concise answer. Years later, I found out that Dingač is a place on the Pelješac peninsula, and it became a mythical place to me.

After getting certified as a sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, I decided to specialize in what I had a natural inclination towards: Croatian wine. I was looking around and found that there was no information on Croatian wine. I thought, “Well somebody has to do something about that!” I took it on as a crusade, a personal mission, and at times I felt like John the Baptist screaming into the desert.

• And now “Cliff Rames” is almost a synonym for Croatian wine! What can Croatian wine offer to the world?

So often, well-made wines can transport you to a place; Croatian wines do that for me. There are about 130 indigenous varieties in Croatia, although perhaps only three dozen exist in commercial production. These grapes have funky names and make wines that taste like nothing else on earth. The trend in the wine world today is authenticity. People want food, wine, and stories that are real. Croatia can offer that. It is a magical place with some great stories to tell.

• The movement towards authenticity has certainly opened up a new playground on the world stage for lesser-known wine regions, exotic wines, and artisanal wine producers. Has the Croatian wine wave caught on internationally or does it need a jolt?

I have been working on Wines of Croatia for 10 years. There are a lot more Croatian wines available in today’s US market, but not as many as I would like to see. I am a little disappointed, but there are a few talented importers bringing in some good stuff. The thing is that these importers are regional and don’t have the national outreach yet. Things are getting better, but there is still a lot of work to do here in the USA.

• For the benefit of wine travelers, would you tell us more about the major wine regions in Croatia and their differences?

Croatia is broken into four major regions: Istria and Kvarner; Dalmatia; Slavonia and Danube; and the Uplands. Slavonia and Danube is a fantastic region but often forgotten and overlooked. This is too bad because it is a fabulous wine-growing region. It offers the white grape Graševina, which is an incredibly food-friendly grape. Graševina can manifest in so many different styles: sparkling wine, crisp and fresh dry wine, full-bodied and barrel-aged wine, sweet dessert wine, and even ice wine. It can wear almost every single hat in terms of wine style. There is also the potential to make solid red wines from the varieties Frankovka, Zweigelt, and Merlot.

The Uplands is a pastoral region behind the capital of Zagreb. It is quasi-alpine so you get cool-climate wines. There are many light, fresh, and fruity white wines coming out of that region. And there’s also the potential for sparkling wines and ice wines over there.

Istria has a tremendous food culture that plays off what goes on in Italy. It is called the ‘Tuscany of Croatia’ because of the food, truffles, rolling green hills, and medieval villages with vineyards dotted in between. The white wine grape Malvazija and red wine grape Teran are big there; those two varieties make food-friendly wines that pair excellently with the local cuisine.

Dalmatia is really a great gift to Croatia as it is home to the largest number of indigenous grape varieties. What’s nice is the local grapes there are still in production, whereas many indigenous varieties from other regions have been lost. The leading grape in Dalmatia is Plavac Mali, the offspring of Zinfandel (Crljenak Kaštelanski/Tribidrag). What is overlooked is the great white wines available in this region, particularly Pošip. There is a famous photo of Bono from U2 drinking Grk circulating on the web. Unfortunately, wine made from Grk is so rare and the production is so small that we can’t have any hope that it will be a global sensation. But everyone who tries it loves it.

Bono, the lead man from U2, enjoys a glass of Croatian white wine.

• Oh yes, we love Grk too. It’s so hard to get that wine even in Croatia. Who are some of your favorite producers in Croatia, and why are they special to you?

Wow, I hope I don’t get into trouble for leaving anyone out! One of my all-time favorites and great friend is Alen Bibić. He’s a forward-thinking pioneer in Croatia. He was one of the first to take international export seriously. His winery is also about 30 minutes away from where my father was born. My grandfather had vineyards close to Bibić’s and grew some of the grapes, like Babić and Debit, that Alen champions.

There are a number of new and forward-thinking winemakers like Bruno Trapan, Ivica Matošević, Moreno Degrassi, Moreno Coronica, and the Benvenuti brothers, as well as other guys up in Istria. The godfather of Istria for me is Giorgio Clai. He makes amazing orange wines from Malvazija and big, delicious reds from Teran and Refosco.

Down in Hvar, there is a visionary winemaker called Andro Tomić who does a great job at harnessing indigenous varieties and making them approachable for those that are new to Croatian wines. In Slavonia, you have Vlado Krauthaker who is doing amazing things. A lot of winemakers in Slavonia are unsung heroes doing great work.

In the Uplands, Bodren is making excellent ice and late-harvest wines. Tomac is producing amazing sparkling and amphora wines. Korak is making one of the finest Pinot Noirs in Croatia, and he’s a great guy with a strong signature in his winemaking style.

• Adding on to your recommendation about Alen Bibić: we visited the Bibich winery several months ago and enjoyed one of the best wine-pairing experience we’ve ever had. The molecular cuisine, which Alen’s wife prepared, elevated the wines to a whole new level of exquisite charm. The Bibich winery certainly sets the bar high for gastronomic tourism. Moving forward, what do you see in the trajectory of your projects on Croatian wine?

It’s been an interesting 10 years; most of the time, it’s been a one-man show. There have been various initiatives to get funding from various sources. I have conducted masterclasses and assisted with grand tastings here in New York City. I hope to collaborate with the winemaker’s association of Croatia in continuing these events.

The biggest challenge is sustaining the Wines of Croatia project without bankrupting myself. I have used my heart and passion to propagate this project and realized that I need to monetize the website in order to move forward. The question is how to do that while maintaining the credibility, objectivity, and integrity of the information. I have some plans in the works and am relaunching the website soon, so we will take it from there.

Exotic Wine Travel’s Choice: Croatian Wine

Clai Ottocento Crni 
€22.99 | EU-wide Delivery | Shop Here

Made by the wine producer that Cliff refers to as “the godfather of Istria”. The Clai Ottocento Crni is a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Teran, and a touch of Refosco. The grapes are farmed organically with biodynamic principles. The grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation and long maceration. This is a wine that will appease many people: dense and powerful in the mouth and finishes with refinement. The rich flavors are of black fruit, licorice, musky perfume, and earth. The long end palate is guided by a mineral characteristic, perked up by grippy but easy-going tannins.

We also did a video featuring Clai’s wines:

The finest selection of

Croatian wines

available at:

Shipping is available EU-wide and to the UK.

Check out Croatian Wines Available in the USA.

************

    Do you want to try Croatian wines?    

If you’re looking to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With an abundance of options from different winemakers, it’s easy to find exactly what your palate desires. Not sure which bottle is best for you? Try out one of their curated wine cases and discover the perfect vintage for any occasion!

************

Want to learn more about wine?

Are you ready to discover the wonderful world of wines? Come join us at wineandmore.com and let’s explore the incredible selection of delicious wines together! We can’t wait to share our passion for wine with you!

• Featured photo: Cliff Rames by Wines of Croatia. 
• Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase the items via the links we provide.

The post Understanding Croatian Wine with Cliff Rames appeared first on Wine Travel.

For a listing of articles and videos on Turkish wines and wine travel in Turkey, check out our page Uncorking the Caucasus. To purchase the Kindle or paperback copy of Uncorking the Caucasus: Wines from Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia, please head to our Amazon product page.

Bozcaada is one of a handful of islands in the Aegean Sea that Turkey can call its own. It sits in front of the point where the Sea of Marmara empties into the Aegean Sea, and it is always windy on the island. These crosswinds between the two seas seem to magically tend the vines and offer the most pleasant enotourism experience in Turkey. The locals love Bozcaada because they say it feels like a big sailboat in the middle of the sea and it never stays still.

While traveling on the island of Bozcaada, we heard so many comments about its viniculture’s history. After our first wine-tasting session, we couldn’t comprehend, more than ever, what all the fuss was about. We wanted so much to right our wrong that the desire became a mission. With Turkey’s alcohol laws and teetotalism, it was an uphill task to connect with the winemakers. So it was an honor—and a rare opportunity to learn more about the inside stories of Turkey’s wine scene—when we finally met…

Oliver Gareis, the proprietor and winemaker at Amadeus.

At Amadeus Winery, Oliver Gareis shares the obstacles to wine production in Turkey.

• Can you share with us the story of Amadeus Winery?

We are originally from Austria. My family had a summer house on the Asian side of Istanbul and there was an old monastery near our place. My father was always interested in alcohol production and he guessed that if there was a monastery, there must be wine production in the vicinity.

We started out by buying grapes and experimenting in the winery, but that was not very successful. We started with white grapes that made poor wine with a metallic taste. Well, it’s poor wine in many people’s opinions, but when you’re the winemaker, it is never a bad wine because of all the work you’ve put into it. We sold that parcel of property and about 20 years ago, we bought a plot of land on the island of Bozcaada.

The wines on Bozcaada were very bad at that time and my father was not satisfied. He was talking about it with his friends and one of them suggested that he experiment with Cabernet Sauvignon. We planted the first Cabernet vines and they were the first of its kind on the island. Everybody laughed at us at first. They told us we don’t need Cabernet Sauvignon; we already have Kuntra (an indigenous red grape). Later, a large company approached us and bought our Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. After that, many people took our vines and grafted them with local rootstock, and Cabernet Sauvignon flourished on the island. We bought more vineyards and planted other grape varieties, including Syrah, and started making our own wine, which we felt was better than others on the island. The problem was we couldn’t sell the wine commercially because we didn’t have the proper documentation. We had to buy a different piece of land just to get proper documentation for making commercial wine and building a small winery. It took eight years from when we bought the land until we had the proper documentation to produce wine.

In 2010, Amadeus had its first release run of about 10,000 bottles. Currently, we are producing between 30,000 and 35,000 bottles every year. We have about four hectares of our own vineyards and we purchase more grapes to make wine and sometimes also sell some of our grapes.

• Tell us more about your winemaking experience in Turkey.

With all the laws in Turkey, winemaking here is difficult. What keeps us alive is the passion for the island and for the grapes it produces.

After a while, I got tired of living in the city and dealing with the traffic. Moving out here frees up more time, and winemaking takes a lot of time. The grapes are like your kids. You try to get them in the perfect condition to prepare them for the winemaking process. Sometimes you make mistakes but you always strive to do better.

There are many things that are inhibiting the wine industry in Turkey. At first, the country did not allow importing of international wine. Then, that opened up but the first rounds of bottles were cheap wines that were selling at unreasonably expensive prices. Because of the lack of quality, consumers were ill-informed and the domestic wine industry was basically sleeping—they were producing but not looking at what they produced. However, this is slowly but certainly changing in Turkey.

As the quantity of imported wine increased, new boutique wineries started popping up all over Turkey. I don’t know the exact number but I’d guess it’s about 300 small wineries. Most of these winemakers are trying to make high-quality wine as a hobby. Cost is not the main concern. If you look only at the costs of making wine, especially in Turkey, it is an uphill climb. That leads us to the second big problem: the taxes. If you look at my wine, one-third of the wholesale price goes to taxes. This really handcuffs the winemakers here.

The next problem is brand recognition. In my opinion, it takes at least 25 years to brand a wine country. Look at Australian wine, the industry and its reputation did not come overnight. It takes a lot of effort and support in unison, especially for a country like Turkey, which is not known for wine production and wine culture.

Another problem is with some of the all-inclusive resorts on the south part of Turkey. These places are serving the cheapest wines to exclusive customers. In the restaurants, they are marking up the wine by three times, four times, and even more. This is a huge problem. Wine needs to be good quality with an accessible price. A Turkish wine should not be selling for the same price as, say, a Petrus. Both are different, perhaps in 20 years they could be the same but not now.

• Why is Bozcaada so magical for grape growing?

There is a consistent climate on the island of Bozcaada. Like all places in the world, there are small fluctuations in the weather but we have a generally dependable climate here. During summer, the daytime temperature is between 30 to 33 degrees Celsius with about a 10-degree difference between day and night, and there is a constant northern wind blowing through. From May to September, there are very few rainy days, perhaps one or two. We are fortunate to have this weather. The important thing in the grape-growing process is: just don’t screw up.

This is important because to make good wine, you need great grapes. For me, it is all about making good wine, whether it is from local or international varieties. When I open a bottle of wine, I want my company and myself to enjoy it.

Bozcaada is a small wine region and the focus is on red wine varieties. Right now, a lot of vineyard areas are still dedicated to table grape production. There are six wineries here at the moment, ranging from low- to high- quality wine, and from cheap to expensive. There are no two wineries that are somewhat the same on this island, yet we are overlapping each other in some ways. There is a lot of potential here.

Outside Bozcaada, there is a lot of potential in Central Anatolia for white wine production. It is higher in elevation with cold nights and warm days, similar to my home country Austria. This is the one area, in my opinion, that has greater room for higher-quality wine in Turkey.

• What does the future look like for Turkish Wine?

The good news is that wine quality in Turkey is improving. This is where smaller wineries play a pertinent role because they are more flexible in committing to trials and experiments. That is what we are doing at Amadeus—taking good wine and trying to make it better. The wine industry in Turkey will improve, but it will take time.

It all comes down to winemakers making their own style of wine. For example, my taste is towards fruity, acidic, and minerally white wines like Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Of course, it would be foolish to try and make wine of that profile on the island of Bozcaada because the climate is different. However, by understanding my own preferences, I can create a vision for the wines I want to create. This is important for winemakers.

EXOTIC WINE TRAVEL’S CHOICE: TURKISH RED WINE

Amadeus, Zinfandel, 2011

While many of Amadeus’s reds are pleasurable, this varietal wine made from Zinfandel stands out the most to us. It has beautiful, rich fruit flavors. It isn’t as big as a Californian Zinfandel and is more similar to a Primitivo (which is the same grape as Zinfandel) from Apulia, Italy. This Zinfandel stands out distinctively with its slight salinity, a common characteristic found in a lot of wines from Bozcaada. Note that the Cuvée Rouge is the bestseller of Amadeus winery. Oliver also makes a Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon.

You May Also Enjoy:
A Brief History of Wines from the Caucasus
Trendsetter: Burcak Desombre, Turkish Wine Maestro
To read more about Bozcaada,  the up-and-coming wine destination in Turkey, check out this article by The New York Times featuring Hermann Gareis, Oliver’s father and the founder of Amadeus.

Check out our tasting video on Acikara, a rare wine grape from Turkey:

The ideas expressed in this article are personal opinions and are not associated with any sponsors or business promotions.

The post Trendsetter: Oliver Gareis from Amadeus Winery, Turkey appeared first on Wine Travel.

Zinfandel is originally from Croatia and it is known locally as Crljenak Kaštelanski (pronounce Tserl-yee-ehnak Kashh-tell-ann-skee) and Tribidrag (pronounce Trih-bee-drahg). It is also the parent of Croatia’s flagship red grape, Plavac Mali.

Some people in the USA may be familiar with Zlatan Otok as about five years ago, Gary Vaynerchuk tasted a Zlatan Otok Plavac Mali Barrique on his show and scored it 93+ points. Based on the current portfolio and vintages we’ve tasted, we’d be inclined to say that Zlatan Otok is an all-round producer; all its wines are impressive with a few outstanding bottlings. The Zlatan Otok cellar is located in the south of Hvar Island, Dalmatia, Croatia, with a tranquil view of a marina—as shown in the featured image. Unfortunately, the founder of the winery died two weeks before our visit to his cellar.

Zlatan Otok Crljenak 2010

Back Story: Funded by Mike Grgich of Judgement of Paris fame and led by Grape Geneticist Carole Meredith, a research on the origin of Zinfandel came to fruition in 2001: it confirmed that Zinfandel and Primitivo originated from Croatia. At the point of discovery, the “original Zinfandel” was near extinction; there were only nine vines left on a vineyard somewhere off the coast of Split. Since the discovery in 2001, more producers in Croatia have been planting this grape and making varietal wines and blends from it.

Technical Notes: From Vinogorje Makarska (vineyard) in Dalmatia, Croatia. 14.5% alcohol. 18 months in barrique.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet with some clarity. Alluring overtone on the nose; something between sweet amber and musky perfume. The flavors of cherry, blackberry, Mediterranean herb, and pepper are carried by vibrant acidity. A wonderfully structured and juicy wine that finishes with slightly coarse and sweet tannins. It’s a fruit-forward wine but doesn’t cross the line into being jammy. What I love most is its precise structure and trigonal fruit attack: narrow and shy on the front palate, wide and expressive on the end palate. This Crljenak Kaštelanski has a lighter body than a typical Californian Zinfandel.

Conclusion: A wine with high drinkability and great QPR. 

Buy Crljenak Kaštelanski/Tribidrag&Yinfandel wines at wineandmore.com

Our visitor-friendly wine travel guidebook to Croatia is available on Amazon now! Check out Cracking Croatian Wine: A Visitor-Friendly Guide for more information.

The finest selection of

Croatian wines

available at:

Shipping is available EU-wide and to the UK.

Check out Croatian Wines Available in the USA.

************

    Do you want to try Croatian wines?    

If you’re looking to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With an abundance of options from different winemakers, it’s easy to find exactly what your palate desires. Not sure which bottle is best for you? Try out one of their curated wine cases and discover the perfect vintage for any occasion!

************

Want to learn more about wine?

Are you ready to discover the wonderful world of wines? Come join us at wineandmore.com and let’s explore the incredible selection of delicious wines together! We can’t wait to share our passion for wine with you!

You May Also Enjoy
Zinfandel by Jancis Robinson
Extending Zinfandel’s California Legacy by A Ridge Blog
Understanding Croatian Wine with Cliff Rames
Croatian Wine by Grgic and the Origins of Zinfandel

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post The Original Zinfandel from Croatia appeared first on Wine Travel.