image by Renco Kosinožić courtesy Croatian National Tourist Board
Sometimes a sip of wine can open up a whole new world to you. I've never been to Croatia but after attending the Vina Croatia tasting in NYC, I may have to follow my taste buds. It was my first experience with Croatian wine and I was very impressed by the diversity of varietals and appealing flavors. Located where the hot Mediterranean meets the cold Alpine climate, winemaking in Croatia pre-dates the Romans by several hundred years. Croatia is divided into four wine regions, sixteen sub-regions, and 66 appellations that produce everything from complex reds to simply sublime whites. Here are two delicious wines to get you started on your Croatian journey.
BIBICh R6 Riserva 2009
$18.95
A blend of 3 native Croatian grapes (Babic, Lasina, and Plavina), this racy
red is earthy with notes of berries, pepper, and herbs. The BIBICh family has been making wine for 5 centuries and even Anthony Bourdain paid a visit to their tasting room in the Croatian Coast episode of No Reservations. Perhaps Bourdain said it best - “Why, oh why, is there so much amazing wine in this country?”
Kozlović Malvazija 2011
$17.99
Wow - the seductive tropical aromas of this white wine really amazed me. Notes of pineapple, sunshine and crisp citrus flavors will make this wine appealing to many. Not too sweet but the fruit flavors shine through. KOZLOVIĆ winery also welcomes visitors.
To learn more, visit the Wines of Croatia website.
