Croatia by the Glass - Spring/Summer 2022 Issue

In my January 2022 issue, we began the first leg of our journey through some of the most prestigious wine regions of Croatia, sipping our way through Slavonia, Istria, and Dalmatia. For the second leg of our Croatian wine tour, our travels will be focused on the wine regions of Komarna and the Pelješac peninsula in Southern Dalmatia. We will be exploring the different styles of Plavac Mali from both these extraordinary regions.

Komarna is north of Dubrovnik, across from the Pelješac peninsula, and is the youngest wine-growing region in Croatia. The appellation was officially recognized in 2013. Today, more than 500,000 vines are planted representing 202 acres, and seven wineries (Rizman, Volarević, Terra Madre, Saint-Hills, Deak, Zadruga Modrozelena, and Neretvanski branitelji). The marriage of over 2,600 hours of sun yearly, and the region’s limestone soils produce stunning mineral wines.

Some of my favorite wines of Komarna are:

Wine #1: Vina Terra Madre Rosé 2019 Komarna:

Terra Madre Winery was founded in 2008 when the first vines were planted on the slopes of Komarna. The vineyards are organically farmed, growing mostly Plavac Mali, and Pošip, along with a small number of international varieties used for blending. Since their first harvest in 2010, Terra Madre has received countless awards and accolades for its stunning wines.

Tasting notes: This is a lovely blend of Syrah, Plavac Mali, and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a bold rosé that drinks well during a meal. It is medium-bodied, with good acidity. Aromas of raspberries, currants, and herbaceous after tones. Best with appetizers while dining al fresco.

Wine #2: Rizman 2015 Plavac Mali Primus Dalmatia:

The Štimac family of Rizman Winery, started producing wine in 2006, and immediately saw the potential for high quality wines. The family established Komarna as an appellation by taking upon themselves the grueling and arduous application and approval process full of red-tape and all sorts of twists and turns. Today, the Štimac family organically farms over 54 acres of vineyards, growing the beloved local variety, Plavac Mali, Pošip, and even some international varieites. The winery is open to visitors by appointment only. Sit back and enjoy an exquisite lunch paired with an extraordinary wine tasting on their beautiful terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Primus Plavac Mali was the first wine produced by the winery, hence its name “Primus” (meaning “the first” in Latin It is made from the indigenous red grape variety, Plavac Mali. The grapes are sourced from the best plots located on slopes where the soil is mostly made of limestone. Aged in French and American barriques for 12 months, and then bottle aged for 6 months before release.

Tasting notes: Aromas of blackberries, dried prunes, raisins, and a hint of wild fennel and marjoram. The palate is quite fresh, balanced, with notes of dark fruit, prunes, fresh marjoram, and some hints of vanilla. Pair it with pasta Bolognese and you’ll be in heaven.

Wine #3: K7 Plavac Mali 2019 Komarna:

The owners of the seven Komarna wineries joined forces to craft this easy sipping, affordable Plavac Mali made from a blend of each winery’s Plavac Mali variety. This wine is produced exclusively for Croatian Premium Wine Imports and is only available in the US.

The seven wineries of Komarna established their own association under the name of K7, making sure the quality of the wine produced in the region is consistent with their beliefs. As a group, they not only promote the region but also each other’s wineries.

Tasting notes: Let it sit in the glass for a few minutes and enjoy the lovely nose of dark fruit, such as blackberry, plum, hints of fresh crushed black pepper, and dark chocolate. Take a sip and notice the silky palate with notes of blackberries, blueberry jam, pepper, and a hint of vanilla. Pairs well with hard cheeses, and BBQs.

The Pelješac Peninsula is a wine region on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, producing some of Croatia’s best-known wines from Plavac Mali in the Dingać and Postup appellations. The Plavac Mali grape variety is King in the region, producing some of the most classic styles of Plavac Mali wines: Robust, tannic and age worthy.

Some of my favorite wines of Pelješac are:

Wine #1: Benmosché Winery 2016 Plavac Mali Pelješac:

Former MetLife and AIG Chairman, Robert Benmosche, a native New Yorker, fell in love with Dubrovnik and decided to purchase land, build a home and a winery there in 2006 to enjoy his upcoming retirement. Benmosche partnered with the best winemaking team in the region: Marija and Boris Mrgudić (mother and son duo, owners of Bura-Mrgudić winery). They started planting vines on the purchased land and found a few grapevines growing wild. As it turns out, they found the original Zinfandel, known as Plavac Mali.

This is the winery’s signature Cuvée. It is a full-bodied wine from 100% Plavac Mali.

Tasting notes: Notes of dried cherries, blackberries, black olives with a hint of fresh thyme. The palate is smooth with a mouthful of dried dark fruit, and spices, yet some freshness on the background. The perfect pairing with lamb or steak.

Wine #2: Grgić Vina 2017 Plavac Mali Vinogorje Pelješac:

Founded in 1996 by Mike Grgich, Vina Grgić is a passion project and a way for the legendary winemaker to come back to his roots and do what he does best: growing Plavac Mali and produce world class wines. Located on the steep slopes of Pelješac, the vineyards are farmed organically, and the work is done by hand. The Plavac Mali grapes are sourced from the best vineyards of the region: Dingač and Postup. The wine is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels and then 2 years in bottles before release.

Tasting notes: Aromas of bing cherries, blackberries, Mediterranean herbs, some sweet spices.

The palate is full, given its alcohol level of 15%, but not overwhelming. The balance between the fruit and the structure is pleasant, and the tannins are refined. A fantastic pairing for a special occasion with friends and family.

To find these wines near you, go to Wine-Searcher.

Remember to celebrate National Croatian Wine Day on June 25th.

Živjeli!

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