A Quick Guide to Croatian Wines

Did you know that Croatia has more than 130 indigenous grape varieties? An incredible fact that many don’t know and the next thing that few know is that Croatia has excellent wine quality; even Anthony Bourdain said “… Croatia has world-class wine”. However, you are forgiven for not knowing this; the truth of the matter is that not many of Croatia’s wines are exported because they are produced in such small quantities, and the grape varieties all have names that don’t exactly roll off the tongue. So, to give you a little background and more confidence to buy and try Croatian wines, we have created a quick guide to Croatian wines for you.

Pronunciation Cheat Sheet

Once you learn a few of the letters, Croatian is relatively easy to read aloud as it is a phonetical language. Here are some of the letters and pronunciation to help you order with confidence.

• Č – is the equivalent of ‘ch’ in English, like “cheers” (Ć is basically the same, just a little softer)
• Š – is like 'sh' in English, as in “Shiraz”
• J – is like a ‘Y’ in English, “Your round”
• Ž – is soft and like the 'S' in “pleasure”

Plavac Mali

First up is Plavac Mali, the King of Dalmatian Reds. Plavac is the dominant red wine produced in Croatia and grows mostly along the Dalmatian coast, in vineyards with some of the most spectacular views! It is a rich wine with deep cherry red colours and notes of dark berries with a touch of pepper and spice. Plavac Mali was the first grape to have its own appellations – Dingač and Postup which grow on the Pelješac Peninsula. If you are sailing a Central and Southern route, be sure to visit at least one winery (if not more) on your itinerary, we promise, you won’t regret it.

Crljenak Kaštelanksi

While this is a mouthful, another name you may be more familiar with is Zinfandel. Crljenak Kaštelanski (also known as Tribidrag, Kratošija, Pribidrag and Primitivo in Italy) is a grape which grows in Kaštela in the surrounding Split area and has been proven to be the origin of Zinfandel. For wine lovers, don't miss the chance to try this gorgeous, rich, full-bodied wine and boast to your friends that you have tried the original Zinfandel!

Pošip

Pošip grows in abundance in Dalmatia and vineyards with this grape can be found on most every Dalmatian island but it is indigenous to the island Korčula. Steer clear of House Pošip in restaurants as it is often not a true representation of the grape. A dry wine with high alcohol content, typically boasting a fruit salad bouquet of flavours, particularly stone fruits. Brilliant fresh or try it oak-aged – which creates a more complex palate, with caramel tones, reminiscent of a big chardonnay.

Vugava

Vugava is a grape indigenous to the island of Vis, it is thought to have been brought or cultivated by the Greeks when they colonised the region. Years ago, production of Vugava made up less than 5% of the vineyards because it is a fickle grape to grow (easily affected by disease, weather and there is a short harvest timeframe). Thankfully, this grape has seen a resurgence as locals have come to realise the value in maintaining local, indigenous grapes. There are even rumours that this grape is genetically related to Viognier – though this claim hasn’t been 100% substantiated. Straw and honey-like hues are the tones of this wine; it has high sugar content and low acidity and minerality, making it brilliant for dessert wines, but is also refreshing on its own. Though watch out, this wine is rather deceptive, containing 14% alcohol.

Grk

Grk is grown only in the town of Lumbarda, just outside Korčula town. It is said that its origins date back to the ancient Greeks, or conversely that the name Grk comes from ‘gorak’ meaning sour; either way this is a unique must-try on a southern sailing route. Grk is a dry wine, with high sugar and balanced acidity; it has notes of pear, melon, pines and saltiness as if from its surroundings. Few bottles are produced per year, making it like liquid gold. Best enjoyed in Lumbarda if you get a chance to visit some of the vineyards.

Žlahtina

Often called Vrbnička Žlahtina after the small town which it originates from – Vrbnik. It is a lovely light wine, clear in colour with fruit and citrus aromas. Perfect for long summer days as it is very low in alcohol, sitting around 11%, or add a little sparkling water to make a gemišt (white wine spritzer).

Malvazija Istarska

As the name suggests this grape is a Malvasia, indigenous to the Istrian region. If Plavac Mali is the King of Dalmatian reds, then Malvazija is the Queen of Istrian whites. This grape is versatile and can be light, fruity and fresh or can even be oak-aged to add complexity and depth. Malvazija has won many awards on the world stage and Decanter awards. A dry wine with low acidity, and a summer favourite.

Graševina

Graševina is actually not indigenous to Croatia, but it is one of the most abundant grape varieties grown here, and one you will find in many supermarkets. Graševina grows around Central Europe and maybe is best known by its German name ‘Welschriesling’. A dry, medium-bodied wine with balanced acidity and notes of green apples.

Debit

Debit is a white grape grown in the Šibenik region; a dry, fresh wine with good minerality and strong acidity. Debit can be deep yellow in colour, and a full aroma greets the nose and palate. It is typically lighter, sitting around 11 – 13%, but is also often used to make traditional prošek (from the late harvest).

Teran

Teran is a red grape which grows well in Istria’s rich soils. A deep red wine which is almost purple, full of aromas of forest berries with almost game-like notes. For a red, it has high acidity, as well as strong tannins and is best enjoyed in its younger years as it doesn’t age well.

Babić

Babić is a ruby-red wine, indigenous to Central Dalmatia and grows particularly well in the Primošten area – whose vineyards are even on the tentative UNESCO heritage protected list. The intense colour is matched by the rich earthy notes, deep red berries and strong tannins. Often aged in oak barrels, it is a wine to be enjoyed with meat, game or alongside some excellent hard cheeses.

Have fun sailing and exploring the incredible wines of Croatia. Now, the most important word – Živjeli (cheers)!

Live. Love. Sail.