Top five Croatian wines

Besides being famous for its coast and breathtaking nature, Croatia is also well-known for its gastronomic treasures. Croatian wines are held in high regard across the world, and wine has been produced in the region since antiquity. Today, there are over 800 wineries in Croatia, and annually, around 50 000 metric tones are produced, which makes the country 30th in the world by wine production. In order to bring you a short overview of some of the most famous and best Croatian wine varieties, we have selected the five of them.

Malvazija
We’ll start the list with the most famous variety native to Istria. Malvazija is a dry white wine produced from white grapes cultivated in the Istria region. Its unique flavor combines floral and fruity aromas, and it can also have traces of white pepper and a grassy aroma. It contains a high percentage of alcohol so that makes this wine a medium to high alcohol wine. There are also several different kinds, from those of lower quality intended to be consumed in a relatively short period, to those which are to be enjoyed only after two years have passed from the vintage and which also have a longer shelf life.

Graševina
Graševina is a white wine typical for the continental regions of Croatia, or, more precisely, for the sub-regions of Hrvatsko Podunavlje and Slavonija. Along with Croatia, this grape variety is also cultivated in other countries of Central European countries and in other parts of Croatia, all the way to the south. This variety is also used to produce some other varieties of wines. Gaševina is best enjoyed when paired with pasta, cheese and various fish and meat dishes.

Plavac mali
Plavac mali, or just simply Plavac, is another one of indigenous Croatian varieties. It’s cultivated in Central and South Dalmatia, especially in the areas of the Pelješac peninsula, and the Hvar and Brač islands. It is also highly resistant to diseases and it can grow on a rugged terrain. This variety of grapes gives a strong red wine with a high percentage of alcohol. It has a rich flavor, and it is usually characterized by a cherry aroma and notes of spices and paprika.

Pošip
Premium quality and value are synonymous with this wine variety. It’s is the first wine in Croatia that was awarded a protected geographical indication, and it is primarily cultivated in the region of the Korčula island, and the islands Lastovo, and Mljet. It’s usually infused with aromas of dried apricot and fig, its flavor has an increased acidity and its alcohol levels vary between 12 and 14 percent. Pošip is served with fish, shellfish, and white meat. It has a golden color and it is a great choice if you’re looking for a wine which you will store and leave to age. This wine became the first Croatian wine with a protected geographical indication already in 1967, and the indication was awarded to the wine produced in Čare on the Korčula island.

Dingač
Yet another wine variety that originates from the Pelješac peninsula, dingač is a red wine produced from the plavac mali grape variety. It has a deep dark red color and a bitter taste. Its color comes from the high percentage of iron in its makeup, and it compliments dishes with red meat and cheese best. This wine is protected as a wine of highest quality.