Croatia’s Four Wine Regions
Dalmatia
Dalmatia is a coastal region which includes 79 islands. Vineyards are rich with limestone and receive a constant breeze from the Adriatic Sea, as well as 2,600 solar hours per year. Steep slopes require hand-harvesting. Indigenous varietals from this region include Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Grk.
The Croatian Uplands
The sunlit hills of Croatia’s coolest region, the Croatian Uploads, are ideal for producing white, sparkling, and dessert wines with preserved intense aromas and acidity. While appellations like Medimurje, Zagorje, Moslavina, and Plešivica might challenge your pronunciation, their wines are unforgettable.
Slavonia & Danube
This is an inland region known for agriculture and vineyards capable of larger-scale production. This region is known for its prevalent production of Graševina, also known as Welsh Riesling.
Istria & Kvarner
Istria is a unique region where the Mediterranean heat meets the cold from the Alps, creating a cooler climate. White, rocky landscapes so typical of Dalmatia make way for white clay and terra rosa, rich in iron oxides. Istria is known for its wine, truffles, medieval villages, and festivals. Indigenous varietals thriving in this region include Teran, Malvazija Istarska, and Muskat Momjanski.
Merga Victa Pošip 2021
An indigenous grape discovered on the island of Korčula in 1880
Just off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, in the center of the island of Korčula, the freshwater ponds that feed the vineyards of the village of Smokvica are a remarkable gift of nature. Locals call this place “Merga Victa,” meaning “path for water” in old Dalmatian. It is here, at the birthplace of the varietal itself, that these grapes are grown and this wine is produced.
Gold color and gorgeous clarity in the glass. Aromas and flavors of peach, with a crisp finish and a smooth texture. The variety is highly aromatic with a tendency to produce high sugars and alcohol. The stone fruit aromas are reminiscent of Viognier and the Merga Victa is quite a stunner – ripe citrus and floral on a medium, textured palate with a lingering floral finish with a touch of herbaceousness.