Croatian sparkling wine making a name for itself
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
Croatian sparkling wine making a name for itself
As the countdown to New Year’s Eve begins, there’s no better way to celebrate the new year than with a glass of bubbly.
Croatia has quietly been making a name for itself in the world of sparkling wines with production and exports of Croatian-made sparkling wines on a steady rise.
The country boasts a variety of grape-growing regions with diverse climates and soils, providing the perfect conditions for cultivating high-quality grapes for winemaking.
There are more and more Croatian sparkling wines whose quality is recognised abroad. Some of the more popular markets for Croatian sparkling wines include the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and surprisingly even Singapore.
One of the standout grape varieties used in Croatian sparkling wines is Graševina. With its crisp acidity and citrusy notes, Graševina contributes to the fresh and lively character that defines Croatian sparklers.
Other varietals such as Malvazija and Pošip add their own unique flavours, creating a diverse and exciting range of sparkling wines.
Many Croatian winemakers adhere to traditional winemaking methods, including the méthode traditionelle, also known as the traditional method.
This labour-intensive technique involves a secondary fermentation that occurs in the bottle, resulting in fine bubbles and complex flavours.
Croatian sparkling wines offer a delightful array of flavours, from the zesty and citrusy notes of Graševina-based sparklers to the richer, more complex profiles of blends that include indigenous and international grape varieties.
Croatian vineyards (Photo credit: Ivana/CC BY-SA 3.0
Nestled in the heart of continental Croatia, Plešivica stands out as the premier hub for Croatian sparkling wines. Distinguished by its calcareous soil, akin to the revered terroir of the Champagne region in France, Plešivica has honed its expertise in the art of sparkling wine production, solidifying its reputation as the powerhouse of this effervescent viticulture.
Over the years, the region has perfected the craft, establishing itself as a formidable force in the world of sparkling wines with over 16 wineries in the small region producing them.
Several Croatian wineries have gained international acclaim for their sparkling wines. Look for producers like Krauthaker, Tomac, Kutjevo, Štamper, Dobra berba, Gregorić, Griffin Ivančić, Jagunić, Kolarić Coletti, Korak, Kurtalj, Šember, Josić or Korak, whose dedication to quality and innovation has helped put Croatian sparkling wines on the map.
NYE
Many of these wines are crafted in limited quantities, making them a unique and memorable choice for your New Year’s celebration.
