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Back 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. We originally shot 13 episodes. With the onset of COVID in 2020, we found ourselves ‘stuck’ in Croatia, which gave us a chance to reboot the series. Here is the sixth episode about Dalmatia ‘Cracking Croatian Wine: Komarna Wine Region’.

Komarna: The Newest Croatian Wine Region

Komarna is the newest wine region in Croatia and is an entirely certified organic region. This seaside region in Southern Dalmatia is planted mostly with Plavac Mali and Pošip. It’s a compact area with 90 Hectares (222 acres) under the vine.

Komarna gives way to spectacular views of the deep blue Adriatic Sea and the nearby Pelješac Peninsula. There are seven winegrowers in this small region. Because it’s a brand new region, the producers of Komarna are modern with well-equipped cellars. The wines are already impressive and should improve ass the vineyards get older and as the producers gain more experience with the land. Join us and meet the pioneers of Komarna in the latest episode of Cracking Croatian Wine.

Watch “Cracking Croatian Wine: Komarna Wine Region” on Exotic Wine Travel YouTube:

Timestamps: Cracking Croatian Wine: Komarna Wine Region

(0:00) Learn about Komarna and why it’s a region to keep your eye on.

(0:22) Take a road trip with us to Gradac. This scenic, beach town in Southern Dalmatia is only a 30-minute drive from Komarna and served as our base for this video. We stayed at the scenic Villa Lavanda.

Book a stay at the seaside Villa Lavanda: https://www.vrbo.com/717519

 

(1:09) Optima Rent-a-Car set us up with our transportation. Jump in the car as we head to Komarna.

(1:33) Taste with us at Rizman. This is the pioneering winery of Komarna. Their cellar has a sweeping view of the Adriatic Sea and serves food to pair with their excellent wines made from Pošip, Plavac Mali, Tribidrag (Zinfandel), and Syrah.

(3:51) The distinctive Neretva Valley and Ušče Neretve are can’t miss sights. They are an oasis of green in bone-dry Dalmatia. The latter is a world-class windsurfing destination.

(4:16) Join us at another winery visit. Terra Madre is a new producer that was founded by three families, who together own a nearby agricultural products company.

(6:05) Learn how to make a homemade fish Peka. This is a traditional Dalmatian dish cooked under a ceramic bell and hot coals. If you don’t have all that equipment or an outdoor barbeque, you can just use an oven.

(6:43) Meet our friend, Master of Wine Jo Ahearn. She is the proprietor and winemaker at Ahearne Vino. Jo makes exciting wines from local grapes on the nearby island of Hvar.

(7:43) Come with us to taste wines at Vina Deak. The Deak family owns a number of accommodation options geared towards tourists. In recent years, they’ve started a winery. Their olive oil is also a can’t miss.

(9:38) Take a vineyard stroll with us and Antonija of Saints Hills Winery. This winery is aided by superstar wine consultant Michel Rolland. The winery is located on the nearby Pelješac Peninsula but Saints Hills does have a small plot in Komarna.

(11:24) We put two Plavac Malis to the test. The Saints Hills, Dingač vs the Saints Hills, Sv. Roko before catching some sea and sun.

(12:33) Come with us and our local friend Martina on a visit to Volarević Winery. This brand is spearheaded by Josip Volarević who is working on his Ph.D. thesis on Plavac Mali.

(14:05) Have dinner with us as we indulge in the local specialties. Fried frog legs with onions and brodeto, a stew also made with frog legs.

(15:13) Experience a night harvest with us. We help out in harvesting Pošip at Rizman Winery. Harvesting white wine grapes at night help retain acidity and aromas in the grapes, thus making the wine more delicious.

Komarna Wine Recommendations:

• • Rizman, Pošip 

The Rizman, Pošip is good in every vintage but this may be the best I’ve tasted. The wine has notes of dried pineapple, white flower, rock, and garrigue. The fruit feels a bit overripe on the nose but the palate brings it back. There’s a good blend of fruit and mineral notes here. The acidity is crisp. For a fresh white, this is full-bodied and generous. Good length. Score: 91/100

*I also highly recommend the barrel-fermented Pošip from this producer known as Rizman, ‘Nonno’ Pošip.

• • Rizman, Primus Plavac Mali 

Rizman really nailed it with their Primus Plavac Mali. It’s full-bodied Mediterranean red but one with some finesse. Notes of strawberry, rose, baked raspberry, and garrigue. Very good use of wood, it’s integrated perfectly. The tannin management here is also fantastic, they aren’t hard and biting but do add some chewiness. This wine should age very well in the medium term. Score: 90/100

• • Saints Hills, Sv. Roko 

This is another successful vintage of the Saints Hills, Sv. Roko. This is consistently my favorite wine in their portfolio. Made with Plavac Mali from Komarna region. Strawberry, cherry, cedar, garrigue. Full-bodied and Mediterranean in style. Firm yet ripe tannins. More Nebbiolo-style of Plavac Mali. Score: 90/100

• • Saints Hills, Dingač 

Ok, so this wine isn’t from Komarna but it’s worth noting. The Saints Hills, Dingač is the big brother to the Sv. Roko. It’s my favorite vintage of this wine. It’s richer and fuller than the Sv. Roko. Notes of cherry, red plum, rose petal, and cedar. Full-bodied and intense, this is Plavac Mali done right. There’s plenty of fruit upfront with small, biting tannins on the backend. Long finish. Score: 93/100

• • Vina Deak, Ćaća Moj Pošip 

The Vina Deak, Ćaća Moj Pošip is an encouraging wine from this young producer. It really has the feel of a Southern Rhône (France) white. Notes of white peach, crushed rocks, basil, and pomelo dominate the palate. This is mouth-filling and has a little zip thanks to the acidity. It will be great with mussels and oysters. Score: 89/100

• • Terra Madre, Plavac Mali Premium 

This was one of the biggest revelations of the visits for me.  I’ve been hard on this winery in the past but the 2016 Terra Madre, Plavac Mali Premium is beautiful. Notes of strawberry, rose petal, tar, and thyme. It is a delicate Plavac Mali that acts a lot like a Nebbiolo. Fruity, floral, complex with some firm tannins on the backend. This is by far Terra Madre’s best wine, really acting like a Nebbiolo d’Alba. Score: 90+/100

• • Volarević, ‘Syrtis’ Pošip 

The Volarević, Pošip Syrtis is explosive with a nose of tropical fruit, Greek yogurt, green guava, and green mango. It’s like a medley of a tropical fruit salad with some crushed rocks on top. The palate has laser-like focus. There’s a lot to like here. It has a sweet fruit finish. There might be a touch of residual sugar here but that softens the palate. Score: 90/100

• • Volarević, Plavac Mali Gold Edition 

The Volarević, Plavac Mali Gold Edition is the ripest and beefiest Plavac Mali in this lineup. At 15% abv, this is big Plavac Mali done well. Notes of cherry, rose petal, and cigar ash. Full-bodied with generous fruit and some serious structure thanks to the small tannins. Fun to drink now and will unfurl further with some time in the cellar. Score: 90/100

The finest selection of

Pošip and Plavac Mali 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 want to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With many 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 explore the incredible selection of delicious wines! We can’t wait to share our passion for wine with you!

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: Komarna Wine Recommendations appeared first on Wine Travel.

Standing out amongst 140 local grapes is no small feat. That’s what makes the Croatian wine grape Pošip so exciting. Pošip (in addition to Grk) may be my favorite Croatian white grape. A recent blind tasting of Pošip further reinforced my belief in this Croatian variety.

Pošip: Croatian White Wine Grape

Pošip originates from the island of Korčula in Southern Dalmatia. This island happens to be my favorite wine island in Dalmatia. In the past, Korčula belonged to the Venetian empire and there’s even a legend that the explorer Marko Polo was born on the island.

Pošip thrives in several east-west valleys that run through the towns of Blato, Smokvica, and Čara. The ridges here create a mini-wind tunnel that helps regulate the Mediterranean temperatures during the summer. As of 2009, there were 450 hectares (1111 acres) of the grape planted – mostly on Korčula. That figure has surely gone up as producers have taken the variety outside of Korčula. You can now find Pošip on different islands and mainland Dalmatia.

Pošip is known for keeping good acidity levels while the sugar levels rise during the hot Dalmatian summer. This year, I took part in a Pošip night-harvest on Komarna (the mainland). That night-harvest took place in late-August. On the island of Korčula, the Pošip harvest often stretches into September.

At it’s best, Pošip is rich and minerally when made into a fresh white wine. Some people might find it similar to the whites of Southern Rhône. In the care of a good producer, it can also be barrel-aged or fermented into a Meursault-style. The wines are excellent with Dalmatian seafood.

A recent blind tasting of 59 Pošips showed the versatility of this grape. Here are my impressions and wines that scored 90 points or higher. Wines were tasted on Christmas Day 2020.

Pošip Impressions

The Good

• The quality of Pošip is very high and many wines scored in the high 80s.
• The quality continues to improve as producers take the grape more seriously throughout the years.
• These wines pair well with the local Dalmatian seafood.
• In the hands of a good producer, Pošip can take on oak.
• Producers on the mainland are starting to show that good Pošip can be produced outside of Korčula.
• The 2019 vintage was phenomenal for whites in Dalmatia and these wines are drinking great now.

The Bad

• The price of grapes in Dalmatia can be costly, so wines made from Pošip cost more than those made from Croatia’s other two signature white grapes, Malavazija & Graševina.
• Restaurant markups are notorious in Dalmatia thanks to the high volume of tourists. The high season is the summer, which bumps up the prices of Pošip even more.

Pošip Wine Recommendations:

Fresh Pošip

• Galić, Ego 2019

The Galić, Ego has bright tropical fruit, this smells like a pure, fresh wine. Notes of pineapple, flint, peach, and natural gas. There’s plenty of fruit and concentration here. It’s more explosive and has a nice interplay between fruit and acid. Good length with a little bottle development on the back end. Score: 90/100 

• Hvar Hills, Pošip 2019

The Hvar Hills Pošip has notes of pineapple, peach, vanilla, and flint. The wood adds some creaminess to the palate. The flavors are a bit disjointed at this point but there is structure here. Good length. This should be better in a few years and it’s big enough to handle pairing with chicken and pork. Score: 90/100

• PZ Pošip Čara, Pošip 2019

The PZ Pošip Čara, Pošip has plenty of lees contact. The yogurt flavors are accompanied by white peach, crushed limestone, and white grapefruit. This wine has a fine melody of citrus notes and seaside flavors, I can almost small the rocky beaches of Dalmatia. Zippy wine with length. Score: 90/100

• Skaramuča, Pošip 2019

Skaramuča consistently puts out high-value for money wines. No small feat in Dalmatia. There are plenty of mineral notes that come out first with this wine. Slate, flint, and crushed rocks accompany the white apricot and pineapple fruit. Complex for a fresh wine. Palate follow up the nose with a great interplay of fruit, minerals, and acidity. Lemony acidity stretches out the finish. Score: 90+/100

• Skaramuča, Pošip Elegance 2019

The Skaramuča, Pošip Elegance has notes of apricot, dried pineapple, vanilla, and a touch of thyme. There’s a lot here to look for a fresh white wine. It’s on the lighter style for Pošip but done well. Bright acidity and a lemony finish. There’s a touch of bottle development on the finish, which is enjoyable for me. Score: 90/100 

• Testament, Pošip 2019

Testament is a new producer that’s making waves in the country. The Testament, Pošip has notes of thyme, apricot, quince, and pear. This is a pleasant Pošip. It’s not angular and there’s plenty of balance. Tangy finish that gives a hint of wood. Mouth coating fruit. Not as tropical as the other Pošips. There’s almost a French-like refinement. Score: 90/100 

• Rizman, Pošip 2019

This wine is good in every vintage. The Rizman, Pošip has notes of dried pineapple, white flower, rock, and garrigue. The fruit feels a bit overripe on the nose but the palate brings it back. There’s a good blend of fruit and mineral notes here. The acidity is crisp. For a fresh white, this is full-bodied and generous. Good length. Score: 91/100

• Volarević, Pošip Syrtis 2019

The Volarević, Pošip Syrtis is explosive with a nose of tropical fruit, Greek yogurt, green guava, and green mango. It’s like a medley of a tropical fruit salad with some crushed rocks on top. The palate has laser-like focus. There’s a lot to like here. It has a sweet fruit finish. There might be a touch of residual sugar here but that softens the palate. Score: 90/100

• Saints Hills, Posh 2019

The Saints Hills, Posh has an elegance to it. This smells like a Pošip from a cooler climate. Notes of grapefruit, quince, Asian pear, and flint. There’s a rush of acidity here, almost Riesling-esque. The lemony acidity doesn’t detract from the mineral notes. Good length. This is a shellfish wine. Score: 90/100

• Krolo, Pošip 2018

Krolo is a small producer on the mainland. This Pošip has pineapple, natural gas flavors, white peach. It’s still a wine that’s really fresh. It has bracing acidity which washes the palate clean. Intense fruit and saltiness. Lengthy finish. Really well done. This is for Riesling nuts. Score: 90/100 

Barrel-Aged Pošip

• Rizman, Nonno 2019

The Rizman, Nonno is one of my favorite Dalmatian whites and I was thrilled to see that it showed well in this blind tasting. Impressive and bright nose. White flower, pineapple, gunmetal flint, and nectarine. The palate is round and creamy (perhaps some oak aging). The mouthfeel never feels flabby thanks to the acidity. There’s a hint of complexity on the backend here. Long finish. Score: 91+/100 

• Hvar Hills, Pošip Kuš 2019

The Hvar Hills, Pošip Kuš is a beefier white, the oak stands out on the nose. Notes of pineapple, peach, vanilla, and flint. The wood adds some creaminess to the palate. The flavors are a bit disjointed at this point but there is structure here. Good length. This should be better in a few years and it’s big enough to handle pairing with chicken and pork. Score: 90/100

• Ahearne Vino, Pošip 2018

Jo Ahearne is a Master of Wine producing small batches of wine on Hvar and Korčula. This shows some bottle age, which is a great thing. Notes of white peach, lime, vanilla, and slate. There’s a touch of wood treatment here but it doesn’t stand out. The wine is developed on the palate but not intense. I’d like a little more length but this is ready to drink now. Score: 91/100

• Korta Katarina, Pošip 2018

The Korta Katarina, Pošip is good in every vintage. This wine has a little wood with dried pineapple, seawater, dried peach, and a touch of vanilla. This is a full-bodied white wine. On the palate, the fruit is more dried but there are intensity and saltiness on the backend. Good finish. Score: 90/100 

• Senjković, Tristeca 2018

The Senjković, Tristeca was a pleasant surprise. There’s plenty of waxiness here from the oak treatment. Notes of dried peach, lemon peel, bacon fat, and lemon peel. It’s full and round on the palate. It may be a little oaky now but this wine has a future to age. The fruit is good and acidity is moderate. A medley of sweet oak and yellow fruits on the finish. Score: 90+/100

• Milina, Pošip Grandeca 2018

The Milina, Pošip Grandeca shows wood but it’s handled well. Banana, dried pineapple, dried peach, and vanilla. It’s a bit oaky now but there is good fruit underneath. Full-bodied and rich, there’s plenty of fruit to back everything up. This could be good with time in the bottle. Put this aside for a few years Score: 90/100

• Matela, Pošip Sur Lie 2016

This wine completely shocked me once it was revealed. The Matela, Pošip Sur Lie is an intense, barrel-aged white. Notes of yellow peach, almond, yogurt, and orange rind. The wood is handled really well here because the fruit is so intense. Bright acidity and the ability to age even further. This is Pošip made in a dare I say, Burgundian way. Score: 92/100

• Krajančič, 1214 Statut 2016

Kranjančič is considered to be the godfather of modern Pošip and it was good to see all of his wines show well. The 1214 Statut is barrel fermented with notes of banana, sweet peach, pineapple, and a touch of oak. This wine has masterful oak integration. There intense stone fruit upfront. The barrel quality is great here. There’s enough wood with stone fruit notes and a long finish. Good bite. Meursault in style. Score: 92/100

• Krajančič, Pošip II Macerirano 2016

The Krajančič, Pošip II Macerirano is an orange wine with notes of fall leaves, apricot, dried peaches, and dried lemon peel. It’s an orange wine but there’s harmony here. Ripe tannins and good length. The acidity stays fresh. Score: 90/100 

Sweet Pošip

• Krajančič, Opera

The Krajančič, Opera is a brilliant dessert wine that is golden in color. Notes of caramel, butterscotch, dried apricot, and sweet cream. There’s a brilliant candied orange flavor to this with a touch of pumpkin spice. It’s rich but never feels flabby thanks to the vibrant acidity. A take on Pošip that isn’t often seen. Spicy and complex on the back end. Score: 94/100

The finest selection of

Pošip 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 want to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With many 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!

Thank you to Vinart for inviting me to the tasitng and providing bottle shots. 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 Pošip: A Croatian Wine Star appeared first on Wine Travel.

Do you like wines with a touch of bottle age?

Croatia is a fascinating country with plenty of quality wines made from both indigenous and international varieties. Thanks to the high volume of tourists and a voracious local market, the best producers sell out of their production every vintage. This is a great thing for wineries but the flip side is that aged Croatian wine can be difficult to track down.

That’s why the masterclass series of the Vinart Grand Tasting is so exciting. The Vinart Grand Tasting is the premier tasting in the Croatian wine industry. It happens annually in the early spring and the weekend event is preceded by two weeks of masterclasses.

The Vinart Grand Tasting Masterclasses

During this edition of the Vinart Grand Tasting, Charine and I attended twenty masterclasses. The majority of the classes were either vertical tastings or included rare archive wines. Tastings like this are incredibly rare since Croatian wines are purchased and consumed young. If you are in Croatia in late February, this event and the masterclasses are not to be missed.

Unfortunately, most of the aged wines in this article are not available for sale (producers have very few archive wines in the cellar). While the country (and surrounding regions) has a long history of producing wine, the modern era in Croatian wine is relatively young. Tastings like this show that there is a high level of competency in winegrowing and production. We feel honored to witness this story unfolding in front of our very eyes.

Here are some highlights from the Vinart Grand Tasting Masterclasses including a fine white Slovenian wine and a red Serbian wine.

Wine Recommendations:

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

White Croatian Wine

• Korta Katarina Pošip 2017 – Dalmatia

This is the first vertical tasting Korta Katarina has done on a large scale as they sell out of their wines on a regular basis. This is another excellent vintage of the Korta Katarina Pošip. There is an explosive nose of pineapple and kefir lime with some sage. Round palate because some of the wine is barrel-aged. Round mouthfeel and a crisp bite of fruit at the end. Score: 91+/100

• Iločki Podrumi, ‘Arhivsko Vino’ Graševina 2008 – Slavonia & The Danube

The Iločki Podrumi, ‘Arhivsko Vino’ Graševina is made from late-harvested fruit and it has a touch of residual sugar in it. This has started to develop some honey notes along with melon, grass, and white pepper. It’s full-bodied and still has lots of fruit and freshness, it has resisted aging. Long finish. Score: 92/100

• Matošević, Grimalda White 2016 – Istria & Kvarner

The Matošević, Grimalda White was the first Croatian white wine we fell in love with many years ago. It’s a blend of Chardonnay, Malvazija Istarska, and Sauvignon Blanc. Part of the cuvée is barrel-aged. This may be the finest vintage we’ve tasted. Notes of white peach, kiwi, grass, and white flower. Tight acidity stretches out the finish, this has a bright future in the cellar. Score: 91+/100

• Vina Laguna, ‘Festigia Vižinada’ Malvazija Riserva 2011 – Istria & Kvarner

This is Vina Laguna’s premier Malvazija from the Vižinada vineyard that faces Motovun. During a vertical tasting of this wine, this was the most impressive. It’s in a great place now with notes of apricot, white peach, yogurt, and a touch of natural gas. It’s full and round on the palate. Score: 90/100

• Šember, Qvevri 2015 – The Uplands

The Šember, Qvevri is an orange wine made of Riesling fermented and macerated in Georgian qvevri (amphora). It has haunting aromas of burnt rubber, apricot, smoke, and fall leaves. It’s full-bodied and packed with high acidity and chewy tannins. Score: 91/100

• Damjanić, Malvazija 2012 – Istria & Kvarner

During a vertical tasting of the Damjanić, Malvazija the 2012 stood out. It is a fresh white wine that is made to be consumed fresh and not aged. This has come along great and still has plenty of life ahead of it. It’s got a nose of yogurt, lavender, white peach, and natural gas. The bottle age has put weight on the wine. Long finish. Score: 92/100

• Kutjevo, Graševina arhivsko vino 1963 – Slavonia & the Danube

It was the third time I tasted the Kutjevo, Graševina arhivsko vino 1963. The third time proved to be a charm. This has aged well and is very Fino Sherry-like. Notes of almond, white peach, white apricot, and fall leaves. The high acid has kept this alive. The wine has residual sugar but the acidity keeps the wine feeling dry. Score: 92/100

White Slovenian Wine

• Jakončič, Carolina Bela 2013 – Goriška Brda, Slovenia

The Carolina Bela is the signature white wine from Jakončič, one of our favorite estates in Slovenia. This is a blend of Chardonnay, Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), and Sauvignon Blanc. This is an archive wine that is still incredibly young. Notes of melon, yogurt, white peach, and other stone fruits. It’s full of fruit and subtle power on the back end. The barrel aging adds structure and a long finish, this has a long future ahead of it. Score: 93/100

Red Croatian Wine

• Degrassi, Terre Bianche Cuvée Rouge Riserva 2008 – Istria & Kvarner

During the vertical tasting of Degrassi wines, the Terre Bianche Cuvée Rouge Riserva 2008 stood out. This is a gorgeous wine that tastes like a fine Super Tuscan. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc has flavors of black fruit, tobacco, black olive, and sweet cedar. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins and a tangerine peel-like acidity. This still has a lot of life left in the cellar. Score: 93/100

• Jakob, Cuvée 2008 – Slavonia & the Danube

The Jakob, Cuvée is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The fruit is grown in Slavonia. This is at it’s drinking peak now. There are notes of tobacco, black cherry, leather, smoke, and pepper. There is a spike of intense fruit on the palate and the tannins are developed. Better yet, this has the potential to age further in the bottle. Score: 90+/100

A Few Current Releases

• Tomaz, ‘Barbarossa’ Teran 2017 – Istria & Kvarner

Tomaz is a producer to watch in Istria as they continue to improve with every vintage. The Tomaz ‘Barbarossa’ Teran is beautiful this vintage. It has notes of flint, crushed rock, sour cherry, and red raspberry. It’s round and refined from barrel age. The acidity is under control for this variety. Score: 90/100

• Crvik, Vilin Ples 2016 – Dalmatia

Crvik is a producer in the Konavle Valley. It’s in Croatia’s deep south, near the border with Montenegro. The Crvik, Vilin Ples is sort of a “Super Dalmatia”. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Plavac Mali. It’s a big, ripe Mediterranean red with notes of red cherry, garrigue, and tar. This is full of fruit with firm tannins. This wine is a current release. Score: 89/100

• Krauthaker, Pinot Crni 2017 – Slavonia & the Danube

This vintage of Krauthaker Pinot Crni (Noir) is sensational. In a masterclass, I tasted it next to two red Burgundies (Vosne-Romanée and Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru) and the Krauthaker showed very well. It’s a big, structured Pinot Noir with notes of cherry, fall leaves, pepper, and cinnamon. This is very young and the wood is a tad heavy now but the mouthfeel and structure and phenomenal. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this blossom into a showstopper. Score: 92/100

Red Serbian Wine

• Temet, Ergo Crveno 2017 – Šumadija, Serbia

Temet is a producer we’ve liked since we first visited them back in 2016. Their Ergo Crveno was originally a Bordeaux blend but in 2016 Temet changed the blend. The wine now has 50% Prokupac along with Bordeaux varieties. This vintage has notes of dark cherry, graphite, capsicum, and pepper. There’s a good mix of fruit and green notes and firm tannins. It’s big, ripe wine with a long future ahead of it. Score: 91+/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 Croatian wines?    

If you want to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With many 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!

Vinart provided complimentary admission to their workshops. The cover photo is courtesy of Vinart. 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 Vinart Grand Tasting: Croatian Wine from the Archive 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:

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

• • 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.

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 third episode about Dalmatia, ‘Cracking Croatian Wine in Pelješac & Dubrovnik’.

Pelješac & Dubrovnik: Dalmatia

The Pelješac peninsula is the spiritual home to the beloved red Croatian wine grape Plavac Mali. The first two Croatian wine appellations Dingač and Postup are located on the south side of Pelješac. These locations have impossibly steep slopes and are dedicated to Plavac Mali. This red Croatian wine grape produces big, Mediterranean reds with strong tannins.

Nearby Dubrovnik is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic.’ It was once the seat of the Dalmatian kingdom and is one of the main Croatian tourist attractions. The city has well-preserved walls and wide, cobbled streets. This beautiful medieval city has become even more popular thanks to the HBO series ‘Game of Thrones.’

Watch “Cracking Croatian Wine In Pelješac & Dubrovnik” on Exotic Wine Travel YouTube:

Timestamps: Cracking Croatian Wine in Pelješac & Dubrovnik

(1:05) Join us for a road trip on the Pelješac Peninsula in southern Dalmatia. The small two lane road gives way to sea views, towering mountains, and steep vineyards.

(1:32) Learn a little more about the red Croatian wine grape Plavac Mali. It’s the beloved native grape of Croatia and is found throughout Dalmatia. Plavac Mali’s spiritual home is the Pelješac Peninsula.

(1:46) Meet Ivan Miloš of Miloš Winery. They focus on the grape Plavac Mali and are one of the best Croatian wineries. The reserve wine of the property, the Miloš Stagnum, is a cult Croatian wine. Join us for a tour of the estate and the impossibly steep slopes where Plavac Mali thrives

(2:45) Ivan Miloš talks more about Plavac Mali and why it can produce classic wine.

(4:05) Meet Marija Mrgudić of Bura-Mrgudić Winery. They produce a rare, legendary Croatian wine named Bura Dingač.

(4:51) Listen as Marija Mrgudić explains the differences between the Croatian wine appellations Dingač and Postup.

(5:56) Check out the Dingač appellation. It’s one of the unofficial Grand Crus of Croatian wine. These impossibly steep slopes rival the most beautiful vineyards in the world.

(6:43) Come with us to Korta Katarina Winery. The estate was founded by Americans Penny & Lee Anderson, who first came to Croatia in the 1990s. The Korta Katarina Winery is beautiful and produces modern Croatian wines from Plavac Mali and Pošip.

(8:34) Check out the Peninsula Wine Bar. This Croatian wine bar & shop is located in the middle of the Pelješac Peninsula. The Peninsula Wine Bar carries a number of exciting wines from produces like Križ, Saints Hills, Grgić, Rozić, Skaramuča, Miličić, Donja Banda, and Vicelić.

(9:09) Get a glimpse of the largest fortification walls in Europe around the villages of Ston and Mali Ston.

(9:29) Join us on a day trip to the walled city of Dubrovnik. It’s ancient capital of Dalmatia and is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. The popular HBO series ‘Game of Thrones‘ was filmed here. Because of this and its beautiful location, Dubrovnik is always crowded during the tourist season.

(9:50) Have lunch with us at Proto Restaurant. It’s one of the oldest fish restaurants in Dubrovnik. Siniša Lasan, one of Croatia’s top sommeliers and a judge at the Decanter World Wine Awards serves guests at Proto Restaurant.

(12:01) Meet Vedran Kiridžija of Kiridžija Winery. Vedran is one of the old guards in Croatian wine. Kiridžija is known to produce of the best examples of Dingač. Discover some of the finest examples of Plavac Mali at this humble Croatian winery.

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

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_ 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 Pelješac & Dubrovnik 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 second episode about Dalmatia, ‘Cracking Croatian Wine in Korčula, Dalmatia’.

Korčula Island: Dalmatia

Korčula island is located in southern Dalmatia. There are folk legends that suggest that Venetian explorer Marco Polo was born on the island. Whether this is true or not, the fact is that this island produces some of the most exciting white Croatian wine. In this episode of Cracking Croatian Wine, we highlight producers working with the local white grapes Grk and Pošip.

Watch “Cracking Croatian Wine In Korčula, Dalmatia” on Exotic Wine Travel YouTube:

Timestamps: Cracking Croatian Wine in Korčula, Dalmatia

(1:07) Join us on the beautiful ferry ride from Split to Korčula Island.

(1:45) Meet Ivan Batistić of Zure Winery. Together with his brother and father, Ivan runs the small winery and restaurant. They work with the local white Croatian wine grapes Grk and Pošip.

(2:41) Learn more about the nomenclature of Grk.

(4:01) Meet Frano Milina Bire of Bire Winery. Frano is considered to be the godfather of modern Grk and his wines sell out quickly every vintage. Frano explains what makes the Croatian wine grape Grk so special.

(5:56) Join us on a sailing trip with Lešić Dimitri Palace. With over 1000 islands, Croatia is a sailor’s paradise. Dalmatia has been dubbed as a playground for the nouveau riche thanks to the towering mountains and deep blue Adriatic Sea.

(7:02) Join us for lunch at Lešić Dimitri Restaurant. This Dalmatian restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide. At the restaurant, Chef Marko is creating modern interpretations of classic Dalmatian dishes.

(9:18) Check out the Čara Valley, which is where the white Croatian wine grape Pošip originated from. The valley is also home to one of the few successful cooperative wineries in Croatia, PZ Pošip Čara.

(10:09) Come with us to Zavalatica and meet Luka Krajančić of Krajančić Winery. Luka is considered to be the founder of modern Pošip. He’s a winemaker, artist, and philosopher- you’ll see why in this clip.

(12:02) Check out the rooms in Lešić Dimitri Palace, one of the few five-star accommodations in Dalmatia.

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

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: 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 Korčula, Dalmatia 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.

Croatia sees most of its visitors in the summer season. Most tourists flock to the Adriatic coast to soak up the sun and enjoy the azure-tinted views. During the warm season, a refreshing white wine can be a game changer in the mood of the moment. And this is why Croatia is cooler than it already is: besides its reputation as a tourist magnet—with its dramatic terrains, pristine coastline, medieval towns, and Adriatic gastronomy—Croatia also offers wine lovers endless options of vinous delights. White wine makes up nearly two-thirds of Croatia’s total wine production.  Here are 10 refreshing Croatian white wines to try. Most of these wines are readily available in supermarkets and grocery shops throughout the country.

10 Refreshing White Wines to Try in Croatia

Perak Graševina Mitrovac 2015 
Wine Region: Slavonia and The Danube

Perak is a family-run cellar in Kutjevo, a town that is considered to be the spiritual home of Graševina. This is Perak’s premium bottling, made from grapes that are grown in the coveted Mitrovac vineyards. The wine expresses flavors of white flower, green apple, chestnut, and mineral. What we love most is the round mouthfeel that finishes with a refreshing and spicy cut.

Iločki Podrumi Traminac Kvalitetno 2016 
Wine Region: Slavonia and The Danube

Famous for its high-quality Traminac wine production, Iločki Podrumi is one of the oldest cellars in Croatia. Traminac is the local name for the grape Gewürtztaminer, which thrives around the town of Ilok. This is a highly aromatic white wine with floral and ripe, sweet fruit flavors. Note that there is a Vrhunsko (premium) version of this wine.

Watch Now – ‘War and Wine at Ilocki Podrumi (Ilok, Slavonia, Croatia)’

Kalazić Graševina 2016 
Wine Region: Slavonia and The Danube

The eco-certified (organic) Kalazić winery is located in Baranja. The vineyards are on the sandy soil part of Bansko Hill. Kalazić makes three tiers of wine and this is their least expensive, entry-level white wine. The botanical aroma is coupled with flavors of pear, golden apple, and yogurt. The creamy mouthfeel rounds up with an herbal, citrusy note. 

Available at wineandmore.com

Bire Grk 2016 
Wine Region: Dalmatia

Bire is one of the finest stewards of Grk, a finicky and autochthonous grape that thrives in the sandy soil of Lumbarda town on the eastern tip of Korčula island. Like a Muscadet on steroid, this wine may be one of Croatia’s finest white wines. It is textured with notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and mineral. The highlight is in the mouthfeel: full body supported by a saline, acidic spine. Bire also produces Grk with the sur lie method. Called Grk Defora, it’s the premium bottling of the winery.

Available at wineandmore.com

Watch Now – ‘Rare Croatian White Grape: Grk’

Stina Pošip 2015 
Wine Region: Dalmatia

Your eyes aren’t messing with you. The label is indeed as white as a stone. Stina winery has been shaping the discourse around wine with its minimalistic brand identity, spectacular-looking vineyards, and its stellar wines. The 2015 vintage of this wine won a gold medal and was named the ‘Best Croatian White Wine’ at the Challenge International du Vin 2016 in France. Its full body, smooth mouthfeel, and ripe fruit flavor would appeal to fans of unoaked, aged-on-lees Chardonnay. The mineral backbone and green herb flavor of a well-made Pošip make themselves known here. Stina also produces a reserve bottling of Pošip, called Pošip Majstor.

Available at wineandmore.com

PZ Pošip Čara Pošip 2015 
Wine Region: Dalmatia

A quality-driven co-operative in Čara Valley on Korčula island—as its name suggests—PZ Pošip focuses on Pošip wine production. This is a mineral-driven wine with medium body, smooth texture, and tangy acidity. It has flavors of apple, pineapple, and basil.

Antunović Rukatac 2015 
Wine Region: Dalmatia

A widely planted grape in Dalmatia, Rukatac is sometimes called Maraština. The grape was once thought to be indigenous to Croatia, but studies have confirmed that it is identical to Malvasia Bianca Lunga (also called Malvasia del Chianti) from Italy. It is fruity with notes of pear, apple, and citrus. There’s a lingering mineral tone to this wine that makes it memorable.

Korak Sauvignon 2015 
Wine Region: The Croatian Uplands

Plešivica is the unofficial sparkling wine capital of Croatia. However, the still wines must not be ignored. The white wines of Plešivica are taut and spring-loaded with energy and acidity; this wine is exemplary of the whites from there. The flavors are redolent of tropical fruit, nectarine, and honeysuckle. The persistent finish has a hint of crushed rock character to it.

Available at wineandmore.com

Coronica Malvazija 2016 
Wine Region: Istria and Kvarner

Malvazija Istarska, or Malvazija for short, is the flagship wine grape of the Istrian Peninsula. The wine shows flavors of honey, flower, peach, and citrus. It has a buttery texture with a slightly and pleasantly bitter finish. Coronica also produces another bottling of Malvazija, called Coronica Grand Malvazija—a full-bodied and oaked counterpart of this wine.

Available at wineandmore.com

Watch Now – ‘Learn More about Teran and Malvazija with Moreno Coronica’

Vina Laguna Malvazija 2016 
Wine Region: Istria and Kvarner

Vina Laguna is the largest producer in Istria and offers many value-driven wines that are made from 100% estate-grown fruit. This wine is readily available in supermarkets, konobas (local taverns), and restaurants all over Croatia. A wine that outperforms its price point, it is a precise capture of the sensory merits that a fresh Malvazija should deliver: flavors of stone fruit, white flower, a touch of honeysuckle, and a subtly saline finish. The best part? It can be had for a song. Vina Laguna produces many lines of Malvazija and all are worth seeking out.

Available at wineandmore.com

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!

Disclosure:
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 Croatian Wine: 10 Refreshing White Wines To Try appeared first on Wine Travel.

In June 2017, the inaugural Zagreb Bubbles festival was held in Croatia’s capital city. The Zagreb Bubbles is the first sparkling wine-themed event in Croatia. Over 100 sparkling wine producers, both domestic and international, participated in the event. The festival kicked off with a few days of peripheral programs and workshops, which led up to the main show on a Saturday afternoon.

Sparkling wine is becoming increasingly popular in Croatia. Croatian wine producers are utilizing both the Charmat method (think Prosecco) and classic method (think Champagne) to make their sparkling wines. For now, the Plešivica wine region is the king of Croatian sparkling wine with Ivančić, Korak, Šember, and Tomac leading the way. There are some solid examples coming out of Istria, Slavonia, and Dalmatia too. Teran from Istria shows a lot of promise as it is able to maintain searing acidity upon achieving great phenolic ripeness; this results in relatively intense, fuller sparkling rosé wines. Graševina from Slavonia and Pošip and Debit from Dalmatia are also capable of delivering unique sparkling wines. Overall, Croatian sparkling wines have shown capable of delighting wine lovers and at times deliver an entirely different sensory experience that thrills the wine geeks.

Here are a few of our favorite wines from Zagreb Bubbles. 

Croatian Sparkling Wine

Find out a wide selection of sparkling wine at wineandmore.com

 

The Croatian wine scene has a new star! The Korak sparkling wines are truly commendable. Creamy texture with just a hint of brioche note. The purity and health of its fruit sing through the nose and palate. The structure is defined and tight. The bubbles are ooohhh so soft, persistent, and fine! We’re in love with these new bottlings of Korak and will be stocking them up at home.

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Our favorite of the Misal’s portfolio of bubbles: Blanc de Blancs 2010. 12 hours of maceration that lends it a deeper color. 6 years on lees. Flavors are predominantly of brioche, peach, and tangerine. Bold expressions and round on the palate.

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First time tasting a sparkling rosé made from Teran grapes. I think we are on to something here!

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Vina Jakob (Croatia) makes two sparklers– one from Chardonnay and Merlot and another from Chardonnay and Syrah. Both showed well at the Zagreb Bubbles show. We also tasted the reds by Vina Jakob at a different wine show and enjoyed them. This is a producer we’ll be watching with anticipation!

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Another compelling wine from Roxanich. This is a sparkling rosé made from Teran grapes. This spent four years on the lees! The Teran gives dark fruit flavors, broadness, and earthy tone to the sparkler and makes it quite unlike others. As Teran is naturally high in acidity, we find it to be an excellent variety for making sparkling wines. The Teran sparklers we’ve tried offer ripeness, flavor intensity, yet without compromising on the crispness.

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Champagne

 

Another cracking French find at Zagreb Bubbles: Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Premier Cru 2011. Zero dosage, single-cru wine of 100% Chardonnay from 100% single vintage–no blending. Biodynamic producer who relies on native yeast for first fermentation. At least four years on lees before disgorgement. This is a cool kid. Nutty, fresh green herb, white flower, pear, and peach. Extremely creamy. Only the slightest hint of yeast; purity of fruit takes center stage. Amazing value for a under €40 Champagne.

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One of the best wines served at Zagreb Bubbles event: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006. This is the top bottling of Taittinger. Whipped cream-like texture brings forth the weightless body of this wine. Coiled intensity of pure fruit notes–almond biscotti, nectarine, white chocolate, and lemon. Underlying floral tone. Amazing length. 2006 is tasting like it’ll eventually evolve and surpass other recent vintages.

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Franciacorta

 

Franciacorta always deserves more love. The Antinori Donna Cora Franciacorta Saten 2011 is ready for the world, after spending 5 quiet years resting on the lees.

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Still Wine

 

Not going to pretend or be a smart ass, a still Prosecco is completely new to us and this is a great start! We’re absolutely hooked and can’t wait to explore more.

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2015 marks the first vintage of Ivančić Griffin’s Single Vineyard. It’s a field blend of Müller-Thurgau and Chardonnay; co-fermented. A wonderfully integrated wine yet you can taste specific characteristics of each of the variety. A refreshing wine that’s easy to drink yet teases for your attention with subtle nuances. A wine of duality. Highly recommended.

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The Zagreb Bubbles program consists of several peripheral events, including a “Fine Wine Tasting” evening. At the fine wine event, we had the opportunity to sample several famous wines from around the world and also library selection from Croatian wine producers. We tasted a Korak Pinot Crni (Noir) from 2007 and the wine was showing incredible youthfulness and fruit-forwardness. A wine that could go on for another decade. While Korak is very much known as one of the grand masters of Croatian Pinot Noir, we say: don’t overlook Korak Syrah too!

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Another interesting find at the Zagreb Bubbles’s fine wine event. Another fascinating wine imported by our friends at Hidden Wines! This causes split opinions–Charine adores this wine while Matt is indifferent. The 2011 Hartmann Dona Dona Noir comes from the Sudtirol area in Alto Adige. 100% Blauburgunder harvested from >20 year-old vines planted on steep slopes and at 500 meters above sea level. Spontaneous fermentation. Aged for 23 months in the barrel and 2 years in the bottle. This wine expresses exceptional drinkability and potential for long cellaring. Freshness, earth, spice, and intensity of fruit are expressed in complete harmony. If mellow happiness or quiet contentment has a taste, this should be it.

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2010 Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Imperiale. Among the people in our group, this is the star of the fine wine evening put together by Zagreb Bubbles. This wine should have been decanted for many hours before the show. But even when poured fresh from the bottle, the potential punches through the shy facade. 99 points by Robert Parker The Wine Advocate? No explanation required; every point flows towards every moment of the experience. Too young to drink, it’s all coiled up, yet nothing screams painful on the senses. No detailed tasting note. Just drink it to understand the meaning of a complete, fine wine.

A post shared by Exotic Wine Travel (@exoticwinetravel) on Jun 12, 2017 at 4:55am PDT

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 can learn more about Zagreb Bubbles on their website.
Matthew also reviewed a wine that we tasted at the show: Nusserhof Südtirol Lagrein Riserva 2010
The opinions expressed in this article are not associated with any sponsors or business promotions.

The post Croatia’s Wine Tasting Event: Zagreb Bubbles in Pictures appeared first on Wine Travel.

Jo Ahearne is an academically trained winemaker and a Master of Wine. She is currently producing Croatian wine under her namesake winery on the island of Hvar in South Dalmatia. In this interview, she sheds some light on the Croatian wine industry and what it’s like to make wine in Croatia.

You can find Jo Ahearne wines at wineandmore.com

JO AHEARNE, AN EDUCATED GUEST

• Jo, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Let’s start off by getting to know you, as a wine lover, a little better. Do you have an epiphany wine?

Wine wasn’t a huge part of my life growing up. We [my family] did have wine occasionally, but it was only as I got a bit older, also when wine became more accessible in the UK with supermarkets selling it, that it was more of a thing. I suppose my ‘come to Jesus’ moment was during a holiday in France with my parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and my cousins. My dad and uncle decided to treat themselves to a half-bottle of Pommard, but since they were surrounded by seven women who were having none of that ‘not sharing’ lark, we all ended up with a sip each!

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“It [Plavac Mali] is a grape that you can get that Nebbiolo-esque perfume and refined tannin backbone, but make it another way and it will have the burly Amarone or Barossa Valley richness.”

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• A Pommard sounds like a fine way to start the journey. How has your preference in wine evolved over time?

I think in wine, like in many areas in life, there can sometimes be an obsession with the ‘next new thing’, and we can forget what made us love something in the first place. But I do think your palate is your palate. I’m a bit of an acid freak with white wines, and I don’t think that has changed. But with red, I was more of a Bordeaux girl to start, and that has definitely changed.

I remember the first ‘serious’ bottle of Australian wine I bought when I started working at Oddbins: it was a Charles Melton’s Shiraz. It cost £8; but considering I was earning £2.50 an hour, it was a huge purchase for me. The ripeness of the fruit and the seductive tannins were a revelation for me. The weird thing was that years later, Charlie gave me my first vintage job, which started me on the path to becoming a winemaker. 10 years in Australia made my palate more New Worldy.

Coming back to Europe, I worked a lot in Italy and enjoyed bolder southern reds but really fell in love with Piedmont and Nebbiolo; I started to ignore those lovely bold Australian flavors. This was what made me want to make Plavac Mali. It is a grape that you can get that Nebbiolo-esque perfume and refined tannin backbone, but make it another way and it will have the burly Amarone or Barossa Valley richness. So I’ve started to embrace the richness once more.

• What makes Hvar so special?

Ah! I could go on forever. When I decided that I’d make my own wine in Croatia, I looked at what was considered the ‘grand cru’ sites, and the south side of Hvar was one of them. In a country that is ridiculously beautiful, Hvar is even more beautiful. When I travel to another region, I think about how lovely it is, and then I come back ‘home’ and realize that Hvar is on another level.

A view of Hvar, Croatia. © August Dominus, CC BY-SA 4.0

• We agree. Hvar is a stunning-looking place with great food, great wine, and fantastic people. What are the challenges of being a foreigner making wine in Croatia?

I think they are the same challenges that you would have anywhere else. As a Londoner, I am always going to be an outsider making wine in Croatia. The Croatian language is hard, but so many people speak great English here. The main challenge is probably just finding out who sells what, like the capsules, bottles, and corks. I still can’t find someone who is able to print the cartons I want for my wine. I know it sounds daft, but I can’t find a likable bottle that is the same for the standard, magnum, and jeroboam formats. Another challenge is finding growers who understand yield and quality. I tend to let the vineyards do the quality control for me; good sites can control the excess vegetation and excess yield naturally.

• Tell us about the Dalmatian grape varieties, especially the ones you work with.

I started with Plavac Mali, which is related to Zinfandel (known in Croatia as Crljenak Kaštelanski and Tribidrag) and has that same part-raisin flavor profile. This comes not from a desire for extended ‘hang time’ but because it ripens unevenly. So a proportion of the fruit has to be raisined for the rest of the berries to have a chance at ripening. Vineyard selection is paramount because there are some places, even on the south side of Hvar, where the tannins never get ripe and the acidity is too low and pH too high. However, if you get it right, Plavac Mali can produce such fine tannins that imbue even the biggest wine with elegance.

Then I found the Darnekuša for my rosé, which is the opposite of Plavac Mali. It never ripens to more than about 11.5% potential alcohol and has very little color. But it has concentration, structure, and fantastic acidity.

I found some great Pošip this vintage. I think it’s akin to Pinot Bianco with a twist of Viognier. And then I work with Bogdanuša and Kuć as well, which can be quite neutral.

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“Wine production isn’t cheap here, so the prices of Croatian wine come as a surprise to a lot of people. When I tell my friends in Spain how much Plavac Mali and Darnekuša cost, they get a heart attack.”

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A vineyard on the island of Hvar.

• We’re big fans of both your Plavac Mali and Darnekuša. Please share with us more about your wines.

I choose the Plavac Mali based on vineyards and scientific analyses. The fruit has to have concentration and freshness to start. Then if the tannins are ripe and the pH is low enough, I will buy the fruit. I have a cutoff point of pH 3.7 in the vineyard, and many of the parcels I buy have much lower pH than that. I’ve seen fruit that has another month till it’s ripe and already at pH 3.8. Making wine from grapes with a pH over four is not fun.

For Pošip, I pick at three different sugar levels to get the flavors of lime and lemon, then peach and melon, and finally tropical guava and pineapple.

For Bogdanuša and Kuć, I ferment them on skins to get more flavors from these neutral varieties and also some refreshing phenolics. It’s mostly about texture for me; so for the whites, I do a lot of bâttonage. I spend hours removing stalks and seeds from the red wines to get rid of green tannins. Everything is fermented in open-tops. Pushing the cap down is done by hand for gentle extraction and to make sure the wine is getting enough oxygen.

Jo Ahearne Rosina, a rosé made from Croatia’s indigenous variety called Darnekuša.

• Are there any Croatian wines that have really caught your eye?

The wine that inspired me to make my own Plavac Mali was Miloš Stagnum, with its perfume and refined tannic tension. The Tomić Caplar is a perfect combination of international and indigenous varieties. I adore La Sin, the Lasina from Bibich, which is known as the ‘Dalmatian Pinot Noir’ because of its amazing silky texture. Vina Cattunar from Istria is doing some interesting things with soil types; its Malvazija, which I tasted at the Vinart Grand Tasting in Zagreb, had this amazing white pepper spice and fabulous texture. There are some great Sauvignon Blancs coming out of Slavonia. But to be honest, I need to spend a few months traveling around and visiting more wineries.

• What are the cultural obstacles you face in Dalmatia?

No more than in any other places where you are an outsider. The Dalmatians are famous for being quite stubborn, but so can I!

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“The notion that Eastern Europe equals cheap wine is a hard one to work against.”

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• Is Croatian wine ready for the international stage? What are the obstacles that the Croatian wine industry might face moving forward?

There is a thirst – excuse the pun – for exploring different regions and grape varieties, and that’s more widespread than just among us wine geeks. Five years ago, people were less adventurous. This plays nicely into the hands of the Croatian wine industry with its wealth of indigenous varieties.

Wine production isn’t cheap here, so the prices of Croatian wine come as a surprise to a lot of people. When I tell my friends in Spain how much Plavac Mali and Darnekuša cost, they get a heart attack. The notion that Eastern Europe equals cheap wine is a hard one to work against. There are no large vineyard holdings to make ‘entry point’ wine; with the demise of the co-operative system, there isn’t the focus on that end of the market as you’d find in France, Spain, and Italy.

For me, one of the biggest obstacles is that the majority of tourists who visit Croatia sample wine in konobas. The quality of the wine in those places is varied, to say the least. It is also totally unregulated. When I first visited Croatia in 2003, I stopped drinking wine after the second day.

I now know that the wine I was drinking in the local restaurants was made from the owner’s or family’s grapes and in the garage. Economically, I understand why they would encourage you to drink their ‘homemade’ wine. I thought the use of that word was a quaint translation, but it’s quite literal. If you are selling this wine for 80 Kuna (~USD 11.50) a liter with no costs accumulated from bottling, label, cork, or carton, that is the equivalent to an ex-cellar price for some Premier Cru Chablis or even Brunello.

Often, this wine is kept in a hot place, and it gets oxidized, volatile, mousey, and sometimes all three at once! Sometimes it’s nice, but other times, the tourists think this is what Croatian wine is all about. And they will go back home and never ask their local wine shops for Croatian wine because, based on their experiences, Croatian wine is okay at best.

We need to work on getting the tourists to take home the message that Croatian wine is great, and also spend time in export markets pouring wines and talking to potential customers. The lack of a ‘Wines of Croatia’ association holds the country back. For example, each year at Prowein, there is a large stand full of Macedonian wine. The wineries do not pay the huge cost of that stand on their own, as they have government support. There is a stand for Slovenia, Greece, Moldova, Bulgaria, but Croatia is absent and therefore absent from the minds of the international buyers who are searching for new things.

Thank you so much for your insights, Jo. We look forward to enjoying more Ahearne Vino!

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

• 10 Plavac Mali Wines To Try (Besides Dingač And Postup)
• Nenad Trifunović: Connecting Taste with Heart
• Understanding Croatian Wine with Cliff Rames

Varietal wines made from the native grapes of Hvar island, 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 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 Trendsetter: Jo Ahearne MW, Winemaker appeared first on Wine Travel.