They found the ideal terroir in Mendoza, the best known wine region in Argentina, i.e. in Tupungato valley where the vineyards are located at 950 to 1,050 meters above sea level. They decided quite bravely to produce unusual blends, so the vineyards are mostly planted with Malbec and Corvino, whose grapes give two (out of the total of three) labels – the Passo Doble and Corbec we tasted. Malbec, originally from Bordeaux, is today considered to be almost an Argentinean national variety, since the warm and relatively dry climate of Mendoza is particularly favorable to it, enabling it to reach full ripeness, resulting in wines with less tannins and fruitiness than in France. Corvina on the other hand is an Italian variety that is an integral part of Vallpolicela, Amarone and Bardolino – famous Venetian wines, but it requires special treatment with irrigation and moistening systems in the Argentinean climate, so the cultivation conditions are similar to those in Veneto.

 

The maceration and the first fermentation of Malbec (70 percent) lasted 16 days, followed by adding of lightly dried grapes of Corvino and the second fermentation triggered by select yeasts, after which the wine laid in French oak for 9 months, so you can immediately feel the sensation of wood and smoke. You can also feel the aromas of sour cherry, leather, as well as herbal notes that make the entire experience rather rustic. In the mouth, the acidity and the very ripe and small (almost dust-like) tannins dominate. The long aftertaste is marked by pleasant warmth and sweetness with a green herbal edge that, unlike some other wines, is very well suited and complements the entire composition. Due to high acidity it must be consumed with food.

 

This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.

 

Best paired with: red meat dishes, game dishes, barbecue, stronger ripe cheese

Serving temperature: 18ºC

Price: HRK 103

 

At first nose, the wine is very rich, extremely clean and focused in the direction of figs, blackcurrants and other dark berry fruits. These aromas are completed with moderately dosed smoke and vanilla, with slight hints of graphite. This is one of the “most refined” aroma profiles we had the chance to try lately. The reason for this are the excellently composed relations between primary fruit aromas and the aromas gained through aging. In the mouth, all the components are very well merged, so the wine simply has no “peak” - it is constantly good; from the beginning with the fruit sweetness, until the end that is marked with firm and very finely granulated, ripe tannins.

The firm structure and richness combined with elegance (that in this case comes from the wine’s excellent balance) is what makes this wine stand out among the Cabernet Sauvignons from the New World. At this moment, it is more than ready to be enjoyed, but it will last (develop) for several years.

Best paired with: steaks, smoked ham, roasted duck, port ribs and hard cheese.

Serving temperature: 18ºC

Price: HRK 117

Source: Gastro.hr

 

The capacity of the cellar is sufficient for approximately 20,000 liters of wine, but with his present 1,700 grapevines of Chardonnay and 2,500 grapevines of Cabernet Sauvignon he is leasing (Brodski Stupnik), only a small part of it is used, so there is a clear winemaker’s intention to increase the production, but as he says himself, it is a “careful expansion”, because he is aware that in the market saturated with domestic and international wines, one needs to take small steps.

 

Naprta’s 2009 Chardonnay is a wine with extremely high percentage of alcohol by volume (15.4 percent). Along with Kalazic’s “monsters” from 2007 and 2008 (15.7 and 16.7 percent) it is probably the Chardonnay with most alcohol in Croatia. Solum was created using the well known French sur lie method, of lying and aging the wine on its own yeasts, but in this case, the aging was completed in new oak barrique barrels.

 

The finished wine has a pronounced viscosity and a rich and deep golden hue. Immediately at fist it is clear that this is not a commonplace specimen. The overripe aromas of pear and tropical fruits are mixed with the sweet and sour aromas, as a consequence of the vinification process. It is these sour aromas that at times remind of ripe, lightly smoked cheese. In the mouth it is very rich, and for the personal taste with too pronounced influence of wood. It has a full body, alcoholic sweetness and is very thick, but thanks to the acids, still sufficiently smooth. Towards the end, the warmth of the wine becomes prominent, while the aftertaste itself is rather long and marked by moderate bitterness.

 

This is a particular style of wine that is unusual for our climate, where the stress lies on the contribution of oak. This is a solid specimen for the lovers of this kind of style; the others should look for milder and gentler wines (the selection will be rather narrow when it comes to Croatian Chardonnays worthy of attention).

 

Best paired with: barbecued white meat dishes, tuna steak, smoked fish.

Serving temperature: 12 to 14ºC

Price: around HRK 100

 

It was made as a combination of the Tempranillo, Monastrell, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties (typical for Spanish vineyards), but it is impossible to point out just one of them. The aroma is dominantly fruity, but in the direction of creamy, crushed fruits, combined with cheese aromas, almost like it is a fruit pudding, or a combination of mascarpone and forest fruits.

At first, we had a slight problem detecting another dominant aroma that was present through the entire sensation, until we unanimously concluded that it is a strong, and unusual in a wine, aroma of dried sea salt. Although this might seem pretentious to some, this words faithfully describe everything going on in the glass.

On the palate, the first sweetness “strike” is followed by an almost hollow center. The syrupy character of the wine and the lack of structure is slightly toned down by small and persistent tannins that stand out of the whole in the lack of fruitiness and acidity.

This is definitely a wine for the undemanding audience which will appreciate its simplicity and the remainder of unfermented sugar. On the other hand, in this price range, you should not expect too much.

Best paired with: spicier stuffed bell peppers, Oriental sweet and sour dishes.

Serving temperature: 15 to 17ºC

Price: HRK 50

Source: Gastro.hr

 

The crystal and brilliant pale golden yellow hue does not tell you at all that you have a semi-sweet wine in your glass with a high percentage of alcohol by volume (16.3 percent). At first, the aroma seemed quite closed and sustained, with only a few hints of white spring flowers, but after ten minutes the fruit components like apricot and pear appeared. It is possible that it was too cool, so it needed time to reach “working” temperature.

In the mouth, the freshness and liveliness contradict sweetness and make the wine very harmonious and seductive. It has a medium body, moderate and in a way refined extract that blended well with the rest of components. However, the wine’s biggest quality lies in its extremely long aftertaste, marked with light bitterness on the palate and the sweetness on the tongue, as well as the perfectly blended and almost unnoticeable alcohol.

At first, we expected a strong and full wine, but in the end, we were more than satisfied with its elegance and refined quality.

Best paired with: fruit desserts, but it can also be consumed alone.

Serving temperature: 12 to 14ºC

Price: HRK 140

Source: Gastro.hr

Crianza label is awarded to the wines aged in wood during the minimally prescribed period, and in the bottle before they are released onto the market. The duration of aging depends on the region. For the warmer regions (Penedes is one of the warmer) it is six months in wood and 2 years in the bottle. Of course, depending on the vintage and the winemaker’s decision, this period can be much longer (but then it will perhaps enter one of the higher categories).

The wine has dark, garnet hues with noticeable brown tones as a consequence of aging. The wine immediately released a rich and complex aroma of raisins and dark berry fruits that became richer with time, growing more and more seductive. We could only notice aromas of cedar and cloves. On the palate it seemed moderate at first, even bland and lacking structure. Still, we gave it half an hour, and after that it fully opened and showed its true, harmonious face (you will not go wrong if you decant it for an hour before serving). It has a medium body, with perfectly integrated, ripe and sweet tannins that still let you know what kind of variety it is. The influence of wood is excellent, that seemed to more influence the flavor (rounded it) than the aroma. Steady alcohols, solid acidity and rich fruitiness make it a very supple and pleasant wine you will be able to pair very nicely with a whole series of dishes.

We can say that this 2003 wine has had a good chance to show what the Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon can offer after a solid period of aging, and it used it well. Unfortunately, older Croatian wines are rare on the market, especially at such a relatively reasonable price.

 

Best paired with: pancakes stuffed with mushrooms and chicken, pasta in stronger sauces, dishes with boletes, roasted duck or turkey.

Serving temperature: 18 ºC

Price: currently available at a discount price of HRK 72.80

Source: Gastro.hr

 

The grapes for these wines came from the site of Brdo, located near Grimalda settlement. It is a site known from the ancient times as an excellent location for vineyards. The southern exposition, slant terrain and the influence of river Mirna and artificial lake Butoniga can be credited with excellent microclimate conditions. Namely, due to oscillations in temperatures of the night and day, the aroma component of the grapes is pronounced, while the air stream can be credited for preserving the health of the grapevine and grapes.

 

The white Grimalda is a blend of 50 percent of Chardonnay and 25 percent of Sauvignon and Istrian Malmsey. Before bottling, the wine aged for 12 months in French oak that gave the wine an unmistakable signature to the wine’s aroma and flavor. The wine is clear, deep, with a lighter golden hue with greenish reflections, in a way indicative of wine’s character. On the nose, you first feel the aromas obtained by lying in barrique. Most of all we mean smoke and vanilla aromas, so the wine seems almost creamy. In the background, we feel the aromas of yellow fruits and the unmistakable flower “signature” of Istrian Malmsey, in the form of acacia flower aroma.

 

Despite the rather strong influence of barrique, the wine preserved the freshness that is opposed by rather viscous and soft texture. The aftertaste is marked by lingering, pleasant sweetness, and a mild bitterness that leaves behind a lasting, but somewhat overemphasized oak aroma (without the adequate flavor support, the wood aroma sticks out). Regarding the selected style and targeted market, this perhaps may not be taken as a significant objection.

 

Ivica Matosevic has proven to us that he is able to produce a serious and even modestly complex blend of an international style.

 

Best paired with: smoked trout or salmon, white meat in creamy sauces, grilled salmon and scampi

Serving temperature: 12 to 14ºC

Price: around HRK 115

Source: Gastro.hr

Accordingly, the wine was no longer subject to rigid appellation rules, so the winemakers had some sort of freedom and the ability to adapt to specific conditions of a particular harvest. And so in 2001 we have a chance to try a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah (55/25/15/5 percent).

Taking into account the dominant share of Sangiovese, characteristic for the relatively high acidity, the wine has a predictably fresh character that definitely contributes to its quality and smoothness. The remaining varieties give it a deep ruby hue with somewhat lighter reflection around the edges. The nose is restrained at first, with pronounced alcoholic components (13 percent of alcohol by volume is not that high, but in the absence of more completing aromas it is pronounced). Somewhat later, aromas of red fruits start to appear, followed by hints of vanilla (12 months in oak was more suited to polishing the wine’s flavor than it affected the aroma) that are still in a subordinate position compared to the “green” component of fresh leaves that penetrated through the alcoholic “cloak“ and dominated the entire profile.

In the mouth, the pronounced acidity and firm tannins equally dominate (Cabernet Sauvignon can be credited for this). The palate lacks concentration and fruity sweetness that could definitely make it more expressive. On the other hand, it is exactly this flaw that makes it an ideal companion to the whole series of dishes based on pasta.

This is one of the affordable Super Tuscans, although the vintages vary (2005 seemed more sincere and a bit more complex). Regardless of everything, this is an easy-drinking wine, and although 4 years have passed since the harvest, we notice no signs of aging. Personally, we think that there is no reason you should wait with opening the bottle, since we should not expect any improvements in structure with time (or deterioration in a reasonable period of 2 to 3 years).

 

Best paired with: strong, ripe cheese, barbecued meat, pasta with stronger sauce or lasagna.

Serving temperature: 18 to 20ºC

Price: currently available at a discount price of HRK 99.60

Source: Gastro.hr

Although they are produced all over Croatia, the experience tells us that one of the finest home-made wines are produced in the Plesivica region. That is why Mladina winery released prior to New Year holidays the POJ sparkling wine (Plesivica Okic Jastrebarsko), made by traditional method of long fermentation in the bottle. It’s a wine that has been expected for quite some time in the circles who know the operation of this cellar. Personally, we think that it was worth the wait.

At first, we were pleasantly surprised by the very thick and small pearling, by admirable duration, while the rich and rather deep golden yellow hue is “decorated” with a gentle greenish reflections, complementing this visual rhapsody. The initial metal aromas were soon complemented by aromas of yellow fruits (apple, quince, pear) and light toast. In the mouth, it is dry, but also full of fruit sweetness. Although very fresh, the rich and small foam makes it very soft and smooth. The aftertaste is also marked by yellow fruits.

Although 14.1 percent of alcohol by volume in a sparkling wine may seem as a lot, thanks to a firmer and extract rich body, it passed almost unnoticed (swallowing it, you will feel a pleasant warmth filling your body).

Lovers of lighter, extra dry sparkling wines will have a few complaints about this wine, but we think that it is the stronger body and fruit aroma that makes this wine stand out in the broad palette of sparkling wines available on our market.

 

Best paired with: as an aperitif or with seafood

Serving temperature: 8 to 10ºC

Price: around HRK 100

 

Just like all of their sparkling wines, Gran Carta Nevada is also produced using the traditional method of fermentation in the bottle that, along with the acceptable price, separates Freixenet sparkling wines from all the other sparkling wines produced in the tanks. Although the production method is the same as with the finest champagnes, the climate, varieties and the length of lying on the lees (and maturation) determine the sparkling wine's character, so the sparkling wines made in Spain definitely need to be considered a category for themselves (and perhaps compared with products made in similar conditions).

 

Visually, the sparkling wine seems correct in the glass, with moderately dense pearling, that is also surprisingly long lasting. The nose is rather sustained, with just a few hints of ripe, and even overripe fruits and orange skin. When it comes to flavor, we think it is insufficiently concentrated, so the acids are indeed pronounced, although on the other hand, the entire composition needs liveliness, so you get an impression that the wine is almost “dragging” through the sip. In the mouth, you can feel ripe fruits, but it goes away quickly. The beginning is marked by acidity, while the middle seems sweet and the aftertaste sticky. We should also mention the foam of a rather coarse texture, but it could in a way seem appealing.

 

Unlike the other Freixenet’s sparkling wines that show a lot of freshness, this specimen is somewhat softer, which will not be a good thing to wine lovers that are accustomed to livelier sparkling wines. Others might even like this wine.

 

This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.

Best paired with: as an aperitif, with light dishes based on seafood, while mixed with freshly squeezed orange juice it will be an excellent refreshing drink

Serving temperature: 5-8 ºC

Price: HRK 58

 

In the beginning, Antinori’s Umbrian wines profited from the connection with the successful Tuscany wines, but over time, they deservedly secured their glory on their own. The same is with this 100 percent Chardonnay they call “little Cervar” out of love, deservedly comparing it with the bigger and much more expensive brother.

 

Almost a perfect harvest in Umbria yielded high quality grapes that created this specimen of crystal clear, straw yellow hue that slowly turns into gold. The intensive and pleasant pear, apple and peach aroma dominate in the foreground, while in the background we have the vanilla aroma and mild spiciness as a consequence of five months lying on the lees in two and three year old barrels (this can also be noticed on the palate). It is this moderately dosed influence of wood that gave this wine elegance and an additional dimension, preserving at the same time the recognizable character of the variety itself.

 

In general, the aroma is marked by pronounced freshness and minerality. The wine has a medium body, nicely rounded, lively through the entire sip, with delicious, almost crispy aftertaste. We think the wine needs a few more months in the bottle for the moderately “playful” acids to calm down and integrate into the entire structure, although wine offers a lot of joy as it is.

 

This is a serious wine that dangerously threatens similar Croatian wines in the same price range, and even those higher.

 

This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.

 

Best paired with: stronger sauces, spaghetti carbonara, seafood risotto, oily fish.

Serving temperature: 12ºC

Price: HRK 115

Source: Gastro.hr

 

Unlike the vineyards, the winery is located on the south side of the massive in the town of Pertuis (Provance), so we can in a way consider that this wine belongs to two regions. Particularly interesting fact related to the winery are the famous gardens that were designed during the winery’s construction in the late 1980s. The French Ministry of Culture recognized them as an important part of the tourist offer.

 

The blend is dominated by Syrah, with 10 percent of Grenache that was added to soften Syrah’s peppery quality, introduce a dose of elegance and make this wine complete. This is a wine you to give at least fifteen minutes in the glass to open up and liberate all the aromas hidden in the bottle. You can thus recognize aromas of cheese, dark fruits, tar, soil, and with time you will notice chocolate and oak aromas. Although they seem uneven listed like this, these are nicely connected components working well as a whole.

 

In the mouth, apart from the thick yet weak tannins, particularly interesting is the pleasant roasted plum aroma, whose intensity increases towards the end of the sip. Solid acidity can be credited for the compactness and liveliness of the wine, while the declared 14 percent of alcohol by volume can hardly be noticed. This is a nice wine that has probably reached its peak.

 

Best paired with: meat casserole, game dishes, meat and vegetables from the grill, goose, duck, roasted turkey

Serving temperature: 18 to 20ºC

Price: HRK 86

 

The first thing you will notice when you pour the wine into the glass is its modrocrvena hue with hints of translucency (the rays of light penetrate through the wine in the glass). On the nose, you can notice certain compact quality, but we still cannot escape the impression that this is an insufficiently defined specimen that has all the aroma components that are also very much divided. You have here the jam-like aromas of raspberry and blackberry, the herbal component of blackberry leaf, discreet wood, and what simply misses is something that connects them. Through the sip, you will mostly be under the impression of high acidity, while the aftertaste will bring you somewhat more noticeable fruity, syrupy flavors of raspberry and blackberry, with a noticeable metal touch.

 

Due to pronounced acidity and rather mild tannins, the entire experience is dominated by the refreshing character of wine that you perhaps may not like. We think that the wine lacks concentration and fruitiness so it can be considered a harmonized specimen. On the other hand, perhaps such a undemanding, refreshing specimen (you can serve at somewhat lower temperatures) is exactly what you need for the upcoming holidays when you will need something to help “push” the somewhat heavier into your stomach. Drink immediately.

Best paired with: meat dishes, smoked ham, hard cheese, “French” salad

Serving temperature: 16 to 18ºC

Price: HRK 48.50

 

The grapes for this specimen came from several locations dispersed along the town and the river Kamp. These are mostly vineyards facing south and southeast, located north of the town, on the right bank of the river. It is exactly this exposition and the vicinity of the river (as well as the possibility to “play with” the share of wines from particular vineyards in the final blend, of course) that enable Loimer to produce fruity and mineral, yet elegant wines that are excellently balanced.

 

This specimen is characteristic for the pleasant and gentle fruit aroma (mostly hinting apricot and citrus fruit), and the pronounced freshness and minerality. In the mouth it is delicious, extremely fresh but still soft enough, with excellently balanced and relatively high percentage of alcohol by volume (13 percent), acidity and extract.

 

The fact that this is a white wine from 2006 (that holds well) will be a sufficient indicator of quality of the wine itself. And although many readers will find the HRK 125 price tag to be a bit too high, it is our opinion that it pays to try this wine, if for nothing else, than just to remind you what kind of wines can be made on somewhat northern latitude.

 

This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.

 

Best paired with: white fish, seafood dishes, chicken and vegetables in wok with sweet curry

Serving temperature: 10 to 12ºC

Price: HRK 124.50

Source: Gastro.hr

Unlike the estates in Burgundy where only single variety wines are created, the Mas La Chevalière winery produces wines of different styles from a whole lot of varieties. This is a consequence, or perhaps it would be better to say that this can be credited to the extreme diversity of terroir that can be found in the spacious and dynamic region of Languedoc Roussillon, located along the Mediterranean coast.

This wine was made by blending common varieties from the south of France, like the predominant Syrah, with slight additions of Grenache and Merlot. Its basic characteristics are the somewhat pronounced fruit component and deliciosity (unlike some other dry rosé wines available on our market), which could be a consequence of a good year, or simply of a somewhat different style.

 

The nose reveals the richness of red fruits (primarily strawberry) with a smaller addition of cranberries and hints of yeast. In the mouth it is lively, fruity and soft, and slides down the throat, not leaving any special impressions, apart from the refreshment which is mostly the intention of such wines. Some people might complain about the mildly bitter aftertaste, that we found pleasing, but tastes differ. This is a decent rosé wine you cannot go wrong with, even in the colder days.

 

This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.

 

Best paired with: light dishes made of white meat and salads, you can serve it as an aperitif, or in pleasant company

Serving temperature: 12 to 14ºC

Price: HRK 71

 

On the other hand, nothing has changed significantly in the cellar, and accordingly in the bottle, apart from changes that the nature took care of in the vineyard. It is still a well run-in blend of local varieties of Procanico and Grechetto, with a slight addition of variety Verdello, Drupeggio and Malmsey. The strict temperature control in the vinification process preserved the primary, floral and fruity aromas and the original freshness of this wine.

 

The interesting and attractive hay hue with hints of gentle green shades reveals the wine’s refreshing character. Also present are the lively aromas of green apples, lime, and perhaps the insufficiently ripe tropical fruits. 12 percent of alcohol by volume, medium body and moderate crispiness leave a very pleasant sensation of freshness. The wine coats the mouth with nicely lingering and delicate fruity aromas, while the aftertaste has a mild bitterness.

 

This is a wine you can never go wrong with, and the one that nicely shows the character of wines that are produced around the town of Orvieto.

 

Best paired with: the crispiness and freshness make it an ideal aperitif, but it will also pair well with vegetable and fish dishes, or pasta with mild sauces.

Serving temperature: 10 to 12°C

Price: HRK 60

Source: Gastro.hr

 

Manual harvesting, transport of must by gravitation only, fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging in huge oak barrels and partially in older barriques – all this was involved in creation of this wine.

 

Those familiar with their work will not be surprised by the fruitiness and, conditionally speaking, the refinement of his basic wine that was created as a blend of local sorts, that are also the focus of their production (Zweigelt, St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch). Although it is a simple and direct, fresh and fruity wine, it still offers a hint of elegance, and one extra dimension, so the nose will also reveal aromas of earth, damp hay and mild spices. Later, it hints vegetal aromas. Soft and gentle tannins, moderately sour backbone and ripe aromas of sour cherry are the main characteristics of flavor, while the aftertaste reveals mild, warm tannins and hotness (although wine has only 12.5 percent of alcohol by volume).

 

This is a pleasant and interesting continental wine from the entry level line of a house that can, at least partially, tell you something about the winemaker.

 

Best paired with: baked beans, grilled meat, roasted sausages

Serving temperature: 16 to 18°C

Price: HRK 79.50

Source: Gastro.hr

 

 

The nose is dominated by fruitiness and aromas of spring flowers (violet) with slight hints of deliciosity from aging in oak barrels. It is very well dosed, so it just underlines the entire image. Although it is largely balanced with well “composed” and connected aromas, it still seems quite young and lively.

 

Tiny, almost dusty tannins fill the mouth, while acidity, on the other hand, disturbs the balance of flavors, so it seems that it is necessary to give the wine a bit more time (like with the aroma) for the entire composition to become more balanced and softer. The aging potential in the shape of fruity flavors and deliciosity is present, so this wine definitely has several good years in front of it, and they could do it good. The aftertaste is marked by barrique and spicy notes, with solid fruitiness and warmth.

 

This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.

 

Best paired with: dishes based on red meat, dishes of stronger flavors and a wide selection of cheese

Serving temperature: 18 to 20°C

Price: HRK 85

Source: Gastro.hr

 

The tasted specimen from Takún winery cellars has recognizable varietal characteristics, i.e. pronounced fruits, pepper, smoke and the freshness of eucalyptus. At the beginning, it seemed rather closed with the components that were out of place in the mouth and fragmented. However, after ten minutes in the glass and after the temperature increased (it warmed from the initial 17 to 20 degree Celsius), a change occurred, and the flavors integrated well, making the entire wine seem much more attractive.

 

In the single variety version, like the one we tasted, it is best to drink the wine relatively young (within two to three years from the harvest) since it is ready to be consumed very soon after vinification, thanks to the initially soft and mild tannins, and the varietal softness and suppleness that comes as a consequence of the variety itself, and the warm, dry region where this variety is cultivated.

 

We recommend it to the lovers of “peppery” wines, as a sipping or weekend wine – it has an excellent price to quality ratio.

 

This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.

 

Best paired with: chicken or goose liver paté, veal, ripe firm cheeses

Serving temperature: 18 to 20°C

Price: HRK 49.00

Source: Gastro.hr

 

 

Along with Bordeaux, where the production of the majority of red wines would be unthinkable without Merlot, California is also a place where this variety achieves exceptional results (here primarily in the production of single variety wines) albeit in a somewhat different style (the reason is the terroir as well as the taste of the US market) than in its homeland. These are softer, gentler and much accessible, but at the same time sufficiently rich wines that do not require decades of aging, but they are ready to be consumed within several years, at the same time offering particular character, thus making it automatically interesting to a wider circle of people. The production trend of this style of wine started in the 1980s in California (Merlot played an important role) and it is today known around the world, mostly as a synonym for reasonably priced quality wines.

 

As many times before, this wine did not disappoint us; it even pleasantly surprised us. It offered us dark fruit aromas, roasted and dry plums, all packed with the hints of tertiary aromas and aging aromas –deliciosity and blue veined cheese, even slight wax aromas.

 

Somewhat later, the aromas of sweet spices entered the scene (cloves and cinnamon). This is truly an aroma profile to die for in a glass. As with most Californian wines, this one also exudes warmth and deliciosity that is nicely balanced and correctly harmonized with the sweet and warm tannins, and acidity that carries the wine through the sip. The aftertaste is nicely lingering.

 

Concerning the price, this wine’s relative multi-layered character comes as a true surprise. This is currently a best-buy on our market when it comes to such style of new world wines. Drink immediately.

 

This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.

 

Best paired with: red meat and grill.

Serving temperature: 18 to 20°C

Price: HRK 46.30

 

One of the main qualities and advantages of this region is the series of micro-locations, slopes looking towards south and southeast, and famous amphitheater locations. Gaj location is among the finest locations of this area, with specific conditions including the microclimate, rich quality soil and excellent exposure.

 

Mladina winery tries to use exactly these advantages and potentials of this vine growing region. After the very good semi-dry Sauvignon from the Gaj brand, Mladina has recently marketed the semi-sweet Traminer, in a relatively small edition of 4,120 top quality bottles.

 

The wine has a rich golden yellow to amber hue, with rich consistency (a consequence of high alcohols and unfermented sugar). Even before you swirl the glass, the wine emits rich and strong floral aromas with a dominant aromatic elder tree and the unmistakable aroma of locust honey. In the background, you can notice hints of ripe fruits, primarily pears, as well as tropical fruits and then some floral aromas again, all rounded up with a citrus freshness.

 

On the palate, the wine is perfectly soft and balanced, with a pleasant oily and syrupy texture. The high percentage of alcohol is excellently harmonized with the sugar remainder. The aftertaste is lingering, with honey and mildly bitter quality. Also prominent are the menthol flavors, so it seems that the aftertaste is “cold”, which is a good counterweight to the warmth on the middle palate. Thanks to the somewhat lower acids, characteristic for this variety (the acidity directly depend on the time of harvest), the wine will pair well with younger desserts.

 

This is a true treat, primarily for the ladies, but it is equally loved by men, who traditionally love dry wines.

 

Best paired with: alone or as a side dish to cakes

Serving temperature: 10 to 12°C

Price: around HRK 70

 

When Gernot took over the family business, his desire was to focus on mostly authentic varieties, but vinified in a modern, international style. He succeeded, with both the single-variety Zweigelt and with other varieties and blends. Over time, he also got to know the capabilities of his own region, and after gaining the necessary experience over the years, he decided to expand the selection with international varieties like Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

 

The 2008 vintage is characteristic for the deep and shiny garnet hue, with gentle purple reflections on the border, so even visually it leaves and impression of particular refinement. The nose is undoubtedly dominated by plum and raspberry aromas, and typical “dustiness” and minerality that give it an extra dimension. With a light to medium body, the very beginning is rather flat and intensive, however that is lost mid-palate, mostly dominated by a mild peppery flavor. Gentle, elegant and soft tannins, as well as the mild acidity, carry the flavors of fruit and green herbs throughout the sip. Despite just the 12.5 percent of alcohol by volume, the finish is rather warm and delicious, and the only complaint goes to the aftertaste that could last a bit longer. 

 

This is an excellently structured and balanced wine that goes down easy, so it pays to serve it as a sipping wine, as well as a wine for special occasions.

 

Best paired with: pork and veal steaks, grilled chicken, quality cheese, forest mushroom sauces

Serving temperature: 16 to 18°C

Price: HRK 98

 

 

It is interesting that these vineyards were planted on the land reclaimed from the sea, so these are very mineral and salty soils, which is an important fact in defining wine’s character. According to the chief manufacturing manager, Branko Provic, since the days of PIK Neretva and their wine production, it was proved that Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon can provide good results in this area, so they decided to go with these varieties, although they were not on the list of recommended varieties when they planted them.

 

This MC was produced by fermentation on its own yeasts, with maceration at 24°C, after which the wine was transferred into Slavonian oak barrels for 15 months of aging. In the end, individual varieties were combined into the final blend.

 

Taking into account the vinification conditions, it is not surprising that the nose is a combination of fruit, a lot of smoke, as well as hints of leather. After a while, the wine opens in a somewhat more herbal direction. The palate reveals the fullness of flavor, warmth and the richness of the sun (14.1 percent of alcohol by volume) under which the grape matured. At first, it gives an impression of somewhat sharper and more pronounced flavors that fortunately become milder through the sip, which is definitely a result of the thick, lasting tannins that blend into fruitiness and deliciosity towards the end. If only the acidity was a bit more pronounced (this is perhaps a subjective impression), it could have been a top quality wine. We recommend drinking this wine within the next few years.

 

Best paired with: grilled steak, stew made with fatter sea or freshwater fish, hard cheese

Serving temperature: 18 to 20°C

Price: HRK 69.50

Source: Gastro.hr