In 2007, more than 215,000 tourists from the U.S. and Canada visited Croatia—up 17% from 2006. Old Dubrovnik is a popular attraction and a destination for cruise ships, while the hundreds of miles of Adriatic coastline between Dubrovnik in the south and Istria in the north are the focus of the jet-set and vacationers who want to explore the more than 1,000 islands (66 of them inhabited).
Croatian wines certainly belong to some of the best wines in the world. The coastline and islands represent one of two large wine producing areas in Croatia. Here, crisp white wines are made to order for the just-caught seafood of the region, particularly the zesty Malvasia of Istria. Island wines are a natural for seafood, too, and certain grapes are almost exclusive to their islands: Krk island is known for Zlahtina, and Korcula, reputed birthplace of Marko Polo, is the home of Posip.
In southern Dalmatia, centered around the Peljesac Peninsula just north of Dubrovnik, the red Plavac Mali grape is king. This first-generation offspring of Zinfandel (which was genetically traced to Croatia by Dr. Carole Meredith of UC Davis in 2002) is also grown on the island of Hvar and other areas of Central Dalmatia, where it complements the local lamb.
In 2009, Croatia shocked the wine world by walking away with eight gold medals at the prestigious Decanter Wine Awards, beating out such stalwarts as Chile and New Zealand.
Babic Pilizota kvalitetno, 2015
SUSTAINABLE FARMING From the vineyards on the outskirts of Šibenik, Croatia, comes this Babić by winemaker Ivica Piližota. Aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak, this Babić gives us aromas of ripe dark fruit, particularly blackberries, blueberries, plums, and figs. These aromas are accompanied by the typical earthiness and barnyard of the Babić grape, which is what gives this wine a certain body weight. The palate is traditional Babić – smooth, yet firm, mouthwatering acidity. It is gamey, and its petite tannins allow for a gentle finish. A very friendly and intriguing character invites you to keep on sipping. Enjoy with red meats, wild game, cured meats and cheese.
Babic Pilizota Reserve, 2013
SUSTAINABLE FARMING The Piližota family brought exceptional quality back to the Babić grape varietal - and Piližota Babić (Premium) is what a Babić should be! This wine comes from Primošten, Croatia, the location of one of the most beautiful vineyards in the world. So exceptionally stunning, they are being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site! On the nose, it has its very unique and typical scents of barnyard, earthiness, laced with dark, warm fruit and spices. The palate gives us layers and layers of complexity. At first, warm, sweet spices, followed by deep, dark fruit, plums, figs, tobacco and dried herbs. A wine that is sure to change your wine world -- and at a very competitive price!
Benmosche Family Plavac Mali, 2016
Beautiful dark red color with typical slightly brown edge and a strong, striking and sumptuous bouquet, reminiscent of overripe fruits. Fresh aromas of ripe red berries with characteristic delicate notes of dried berries, melded with discreet nuances from aging in wooden barrels. Balanced body, harmonious and ripe tannins with a soft, elegant and warm finish.
Bura Dingac Plavac MalI, 2018
Located on the steep 45 degree Southern slopes of Peljesac Peninsula known for its big reds, Bura vineyards produce the most unique, delicious and prestigious wine to ever come out of the Dalmatian Coast. As much as there is talk about all the different wineries and winemakers in Croatia, no other winemaker stands out more than Niko Bura and his sacred Bura Dingač. Niko Bura’s vineyards are fully organic and are the truest expression of the microclimate and land of Croatia’s southern Dalmatian coast. The Bura family has a one of the longest traditions of winemaking in Dingač, spanning over five generations. Typical bottle production of Bura Dingač is very limited (between 1,400 to 2,500 bottles, depending upon the year) and that is why every bottle opening should be treated as a special occasion. Made from slightly raisined grapes and vinified in native yeasts, Bura is a masculine wine of high extract and up to 15% alcohol, with intense black fruit on the nose, along with pine and a note of dry hay.
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