Croatian wines awarded gold and silver medals by US media group Santé

Santé Awards, Gold and Silver Medals 2024 to Croatian Wines (Source: Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc.)

Santé Media Group, the US-based owner of brands including Santé Magazine, Newsletter, Podcast, and Competitions, with over 200,000 food and beverage professional subscribers, has been impressed by Croatian wines.

Recently, they published an article titled, “Croatian Wines Excel at the 2024 Santé Wine & Spirits International Competition”, featuring tasting notes for the Gold and Silver award-winning wines from Istrian, Dalmatian, and Slavonian wineries.

The awarded wines include Fakin Wines Malvazija, which earned the Gold Award, and the following Silver Award recipients: Kutjevo Premium Rosé, Delmati Winery Biokovo Trbljan, Iločki Podrumi Graševina, Matuško Plavac Mali, Delmati Winery Biokovo Plavka, and Testament Winery Dalmatian Dog Babić.

More than 101 indigenous Croatian wine labels, including these winners, are available for tasting in the US through Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc., which handles distribution and shipping to most US states. Canadian customers can access them via Croatia Unpacked.

Quoting Santé: “Croatian wines have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, evolving from local secrets to gaining international recognition.

Historically, Croatia’s winemaking roots stretch back over 2,500 years, yet it wasn’t until the early 21st century that the country began to reclaim its reputation for producing high-quality wines.

The improvement in Croatian wines can be attributed to several factors. Winemakers have embraced modern viticultural techniques and invested in state-of-the-art technology while respecting traditional methods and the unique characteristics of their indigenous grape varieties, such as Plavac Mali, Malvazija, and Graševina. This blend of tradition and innovation has resulted in wines that are not only diverse and unique but also harmonious and well-crafted.

Croatia’s diverse terroirs—ranging from the coastal influences of Istria and Dalmatia to the continental climate of Slavonia—allow for a wide variety of wine styles, from crisp whites and robust reds to aromatic rosés and dessert wines. The emphasis on quality over quantity has been key to the enhancement of Croatian wines, with many wineries focusing on sustainable practices and limited production to ensure excellence.

As a result, Croatian wines have steadily gained a foothold on the international stage, earning accolades and admiration from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. This renaissance has positioned Croatia as an exciting and burgeoning wine destination, offering distinctive and memorable experiences for those looking to explore beyond traditional wine regions,” writes Santé.

Award-Winning Wines from the 2024 Santé Wine & Spirits International Competition

Gold Award:

Fakin Malvazija 2022

Fakin Malvazija 2022 is a vibrant and refreshing white wine that captures the essence of the Istrian region. Its straw-yellow color and aromatic bouquet of citrus and floral notes offer an inviting experience from the first pour.

On the palate, zesty flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple are complemented by a touch of minerality and Mediterranean herbs. With its crisp acidity and medium-bodied texture, this wine pairs excellently with seafood, light pastas, or as a standalone sipper. This vintage exemplifies Croatian winemaking, showcasing the unique qualities of the Malvazija grape.

Marko Fakin, winemaker at Fakin Wines, and his son inspect their vineyards in Motovun (Source: Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc.)

Silver Awards:

Testament Winery Dalmatian Dog Babić

Babić The Dalmatian Dog is an engaging red wine that reflects the spirit of the Dalmatian coast. Made from the native Babić grape, it features a deep ruby color and a rich bouquet of dark berries, plums, and Mediterranean herbs.

On the palate, this full-bodied wine offers ripe black cherries, dried figs, and a touch of spice, balanced by robust structure and integrated tannins. Earthy undertones and minerality add complexity, leading to a long finish. Perfect with grilled meats or aged cheeses, this wine is a testament to the depth of Croatian reds.

Delmati Winery Biokovo Red Plavka 2021

Biokovo Plavka 2021 highlights the unique Plavka grape with its vibrant ruby hue and aromas of red berries, cherries, and subtle earthy notes.

Medium-bodied with flavors of ripe strawberries and red currants, the wine is complemented by hints of spice and herbal undertones. Its balanced acidity and soft tannins make it approachable yet intriguing. Pair with Mediterranean cuisine, grilled vegetables, or roasted poultry for a delightful and sustainable experience.

Delmati Winery Biokovo Trbljan White Wine

This refreshing Trbljan wine features a pale straw color with bright clarity. Aromas of green apple, citrus, and floral notes greet the nose, while the palate delivers lemon zest, pear, and minerality with vibrant acidity.

Its clean finish with subtle almond and herbal hints makes it a perfect match for seafood, salads, or light appetizers. This organic wine showcases the balance of tradition and modern sustainability in Croatian white wines.

Delmati Plavka and vineyards in the Jezero fields near Vrgorac, Dalmatia (Source: Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc.)

Ilok Cellars Graševina

Graševina is a crisp and versatile white wine with a clear pale straw color. Aromas of green apple, pear, and floral notes create an inviting bouquet. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with citrus and stone fruit flavors, such as white peach and lemon.

Its light-to-medium body and bright acidity make it food-friendly, pairing well with seafood, light pastas, and salads. Graševina is a cornerstone of Croatian wine culture, offering a balanced and refreshing experience.

Kutjevo Rosé

Kutjevo Rosé is a charming wine with a delicate pink hue and aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and citrus zest. Light and invigorating on the palate, it offers red berry flavors balanced by crisp acidity and a clean finish. Subtle minerality adds interest, making this wine refreshing and nuanced. Ideal for light appetizers, seafood, or as a standalone delight, this rosé highlights the finesse of Croatian wines.

Kutjevo Winery 1232 is the oldest Croatian winery with records dating back to the 13th century, Today this is a modern winery, with its new restaurant Vinkomir built in the vineyards and modern design label including Croatian “kravata.” (Source: Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc.)

Matuško Plavac Mali 2020

This robust red wine showcases the complexity of Croatia’s Plavac Mali grape. With a deep garnet color, it offers rich aromas of blackberries, plums, Mediterranean herbs, and black pepper.

On the palate, bold flavors of black cherries and dried figs are balanced by earthy tones and well-structured tannins, with hints of vanilla and spice adding depth. Its long finish pairs perfectly with grilled meats, aged cheeses, or hearty stews, highlighting the elegance of Croatian reds.