Croatia, a country with a long-standing wine tradition, produces some of the finest Croatian wines in Europe, and its winemaking history spans over 2500 years. The country is divided into four main wine-growing regions: Istria and Kvarner, Dalmatia, Slavonia and the Danube region, and Central Croatia. Each region produces specific grape varieties and wine styles unique to their terroir.
The Most Famous Croatian Wines and Varieties
RED VARIETIES
1. Plavac Mali (Dalmatia)
Plavac Mali stands out as Croatia’s most famous red grape variety, particularly in southern Dalmatia. It thrives in the steep, rocky vineyards along the coast, where the challenging terrain and poor soil enhance the wine’s unique character.
Wines made from Plavac Mali are full-bodied and rich, often high in alcohol and marked by strong tannins. Fruity aromas of ripe plums, cherries, and black olives dominate, while aging brings out hints of pepper, dry herbs, and leather. The best wines come from the Pelješac Peninsula, especially the Dingač and Postup regions, and from the island of Hvar, particularly Sveta Nedjelja. Plavac Mali wines often rival world-class wines in quality, thanks to their exceptional aging potential.
Taste: Rich and layered, with notes of dark fruits, ripe plums, pepper, spices, and often pronounced tannins.
Food pairings: Red meat, lamb, game, grilled dishes
2. Teran (Istria)
Teran is the king of Istrian red wines and has been part of the region’s tradition for centuries. Teran wines are known for their pronounced acidity and tannins, which make them an excellent match for fatty foods and meats. The wine has a deep ruby-red color and aromas of red and black fruits, such as cherries and plums, along with frequent spicy notes like pepper and earth.
Taste: Strong tannins and acidity, with notes of red and black fruit and spices.
Food pairings: Istrian prosciutto, pašticada, meat dishes, truffle cheese.
In Istria, you can explore many beautiful places, such as Pula, a city with a rich history and culture. For more information about Pula, check out Pula – https://www.istriabooker.com/hr/destinacije/hrvatska/istra/pula/1010
3. Babić (Šibenik)
Babić is a black grape variety native to Dalmatia, particularly from the Šibenik region. It thrives in rocky, low-soil conditions, which impart a strong, distinctive character to the wines. Babić wines feature a deep color and vibrant flavors of black fruits like marasca cherries and plums, enhanced by earthy and spicy undertones. Farmers commonly grow this variety in the vineyards near Primošten, where vines flourish in rocky terrain with minimal soil. This environment contributes to the wine’s complexity and structure.
Taste: Dark in color with fruity notes of black fruits, dry herbs, and a pronounced minerality.
Food pairings: Roast lamb, grilled dishes, and aged cheeses.
4. Crljenak Kaštelanski (Dalmatia)
Crljenak Kaštelanski is an ancient Croatian grape variety from Dalmatia, which has gained attention for being genetically identical to the popular American Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo. Wines made from Crljenak Kaštelanski are fruity, fresh, often with notes of dark berries such as blackberry, cherry, and plum, and a subtle spicy aroma.
Taste: Fruity with pronounced notes of dark fruits and spices.
Food pairings: Pizza, pasta with rich sauces, and roasted poultry.
WHITE VARIETIES
1. Graševina (Slavonia)
Graševina is the leading white grape variety in continental Croatia, with particular importance in the regions of Slavonia and the Danube. It is highly versatile, producing wines ranging from light and dry to semi-sweet and even dessert wines. Dry Graševina typically offers fresh and crisp flavors, featuring notes of green apples, citrus, and delicate floral aromas. On the other hand, semi-sweet and dessert wines can develop richer, honeyed tones along with tropical fruit characteristics.
This variety’s ability to adapt to different winemaking styles makes it an essential part of Croatian viticulture, offering something for every palate.
Taste: Fresh, fruity, with notes of citrus, apple, flowers, and variations from lighter to fuller styles.
Food Pairings: White fish, poultry, fresh cheeses, light salads.
2. Malvazija Istarska (Istria)
Malvazija je najvažnija bijela sorta u Istri. Daje aromatična, lagano mineralna vina s notama cvijeća, marelice, agruma i badema. Ova vina su svježa, ali mogu biti i punijeg tijela, posebno ako odležavaju u hrastovim bačvama. Malvazija je izvrsna uz morske plodove i istarsku kuhinju.
Okus: Svjež, voćni karakter s izraženom mineralnošću i aromama agruma, marelice i badema.
Parovi s hranom: Morski plodovi, bijelo meso, tjestenina s laganim umacima.
3. Pošip (Korčula)
Malvazija is the most important white variety in Istria. It produces aromatic, slightly mineral wines with notes of flowers, apricot, citrus, and almonds. These wines are fresh, but can also have a fuller body, especially if aged in oak barrels. Malvazija is excellent with seafood and Istrian cuisine.
Taste: Fresh, fruity character with pronounced minerality and aromas of citrus, apricot, and almonds.
Food Pairings: Seafood, white meat, pasta with light sauces.
4. Grk (Korčula)
Grk, an indigenous variety from Korčula, is unique because it only has female flowers, requiring cross-pollination with other varieties. As a result, Grk wines exhibit a complex and dry flavor profile, highlighted by prominent notes of citrus and fig. Additionally, these wines often have a finish with a subtle bitterness, further enhancing their complexity.
The distinctive characteristics of Grk also reflect Korčula’s unique growing conditions, which contribute to the wine’s complexity and balance. Therefore, if you’re seeking a wine with aromatic freshness and layered flavors, Grk is an excellent choice.
Taste: Complex, with aromas of citrus, fig, and a light bitterness.
Food Pairings: Shrimp, white fish, light salads.
5. Žlahtina (Krk)
Žlahtina is a specific variety from the island of Krk. It produces light and fresh wines, which are very popular due to their crispness and ease. Žlahtina has delicate floral and fruity aromas, and is most commonly consumed as a young wine.
Taste: Light, fresh, with notes of white flowers and fruit.
Food Pairings: Seafood, shellfish, light fish dishes.
DESERTNA VINA
1. Prošek (Dalmatia)
Prošek is a traditional dessert wine from Dalmatia, made from dried grapes (often from the Plavac Mali or other local varieties). This sweet wine has a rich taste of dried fruits, honey, and caramel, making it a popular choice for desserts.
Taste: Sweet, rich, with notes of dried fruit, honey, and caramel.
Food Pairings: Dried figs, cakes, chocolate, and tarts.
Croatia, due to its diverse soils, climate, and tradition of vine cultivation, is one of the most interesting wine regions in Europe. Each grape variety offers a unique experience and reflects the characteristics of the region in which it is grown. You can explore their history and qualities in more detail on Vinacroatia.hr/en.