Varenik – The Traditional Multi-Purpose Nectar Making a Comeback

By Wine&More

Four winemakers from Pelješac, a God-given locality for growing grapes in the southern Dalmatian region of Croatia, recently re-launched a once forgotten syrup made of organically grown Plavac Mali grape. Varenik from Pelješac is the non-alcoholic concentrated essence of Plavac Mali grape encapsulated in a perfume-size bottle…

Varenik is an artisanal product traditionally crafted in the southern part of Croatia. The one originating from Pelješac peninsula is made once a year during harvest time from the Plavac Mali grape must, which is then sloooowly cooked for 16 hours in order to get a super-concentrated syrupy essence.

Varenik quantities are obviously limited as it requires a lot of materia prima to get 2-3 dcl of this liquid gem (approximately the quantity of grapes required to give 10 bottles of wine gives 2-3 dcl of varenik). Back in the day, Varenik was considered a true delicacy. It was given to children as a substitute for sweets and to women to recover their strength from childbirth.

Varenik was and still is an essential part of celebratory feasts as it represents a crucial component of traditional meals such as pašticada (beef stew) and mantala (sweet) prepared for special occasions.

In order to preserve this artisanal product, Slow Food recognized the effort of four winemaking families from Pelješac (Bartulović, Bogoević – Marušić from Križ winery, Miloš and Vukas) and decided to help them protect and promote it. Today Pelješki Varenik is exclusively made of organically grown Plavac Mali grape and according to traditional recipe. It is their premise to preserve true values this product holds – both social and nutritional.

The aforementioned winemakers take pride in meticulous labour they invest in maintaining their vineyards located on extremely steep slopes of Pelješac peninsula from where they source only the best grapes for Varenik production. They emphasise Pelješki Varenik is a terroir product that is directly intertwined with the locality, microclimate, people and customs of Pelješac peninsula.

Their joint plan is to once again introduce Pelješki Varenik to local cuisine by various collaborations with chefs. They argue Varenik can enrich various dishes, from salad and risotto to both savory and sweet delicacies. It also represents an ideal souvenir for the modern tourist.

To learn more about Croatian wines and Croatian winemakers, check out Wine & More’s website. The crew at Wine & More also make it simple and easy to purchase Croatian wines and have them delivered to your doorstep.