Katunar Anton Reserva, 2004
On the red soil of the inland plain near the medieval town of Vrbnik, Anton Katunar and his son produce perhaps the most highly regarded examples of Zlahtina, as well as Syrah-based reds. This blend of 50% Syrah and two local black varieties, the Riserva is a medium-bodied wine of neutral oak, with round fruit supported by a healthy acid and tannin structure. The nose is red cherries and plums, sweet vanilla and spice. A wine for the lamb that is local to Krk, plus burgers, sausage or steak.
Kozlovic Malvasia, 2008
The most important Istrian grape is the white Malvasia, but there is also a Muscat that yields magnificent sweet wines, and the red Teran, a subvariety of Refosco that produces a “wild,” high-acidity wine that is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet. Gianfranco Kozlovic is the largest private producer of Malvasia in Istria, and a vocal crusader for quality. His vineyards dot the hillsides of northern Istria, where his modern winery is located.
This lemon-colored dry wine offers hay, white peach, apple and almond on the nose. It is medium-bodied, unoaked, with fresh acidity and slight mineral and herb on the palate. Serve chilled with summer seafood.
Kozlovic Muscat, 2006
Istrian Wines and Gianfranco Kozlovic
In the mid-1990s, young Istrian politicians proclaimed that, far from having to rely solely on coastal tourism, the Istrian economy could thrive on the production of wine and olives, and the caches of truffles in Istrian forests. Today, in this relatively small region that makes up the northern coastline of Croatia, there are more than 80 active wineries. The private wine makers of Istria have made local grape varieties a specialty. Drawing on tradition and the grapes’ suitability for the region, they are able to produce high-quality wines of unique appeal. Made from the most noble Muscat variety, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, this sweet nectar is a Kozlovic specialty. Its bright honeysuckle, orange-blossom and slight licorice aromas deliver generously on the palate, along with ripe pear and a medium-high acidity that enlivens the wine.
Lirica , 2008
Produced and bottled on Peljesac, north of Dubrovnik and just south of the controlled apellation of Dingac, Lirica delivers vibrant aromas of sun-ripened fruit, fresh cherries, cloves and cinnamon. Its high acidity and ample tannin make this earthy, rustic wine a good choice for burgers and steak.
Marko Polo Posip Cara, 2010
The isaland of Korcula, just a short ferry ride from the northern Peljesac, is Dalmatia's most populous island and the historic birthplace of the explorer Marko Polo. Wine production here is 70% white, and Posip is the premiere white grape. This early-ripened is native to Dalmatia, and some researchers cite a possible relation to Hungary's Furmint. The vineyards of PZ Posip, the producer of Marko Polo Posip, are located in the valley of the village Cara, the top designated growing region for the grape. The Marko Polo label is produced from the top 10% of the vineyard harvest and is matured in neutral barrels. The wine is extremely popular in Croatia, and is becoming increasingly well known in Europe and the United States as a unique indigenous wine showing varietal character and sense of place.
A lovely deep lemon hue leads to citrus aromas on the nose, along with sweet pear and a hint of vanilla. The wine is dry, with medium acidity and fairly full body. Pear and citrus dominate the palate, with a typical bitter-almond finish. Ideal with prosciutto and other charcuterie, Marko Polo Posip is also a classic pairing with seafood.
Zlatan Crljenak, 2007
YES! Finally, the topic of numerous debates, the first Crljenak Kastelanski is here. From Zlatan Plenkovic vineyards in Makarska comes this vibrant , youthful and very intriguing Croatian "zinfandel".
Zlatan Hvar, 2007
A blend of two native white grapes, Zlatan Hvar is bright lemon in color, with a serious, concentrated nose of grapefruit zest and citrus, overripe melon and almonds. It is dry, with fairly high acidity (great food wine!) and medium-full body. Melon, nectarine, citrus zest and mineral dominate the palate for a sophisticated take on an island white
Zlatan Plavac Barrique, 2006
Zlatan Plavac is richly colored, with pronounced oak on the nose laid over plums, blueberries, and slight tar. The tannin is scaled back to medium and the body to medium-full, but the flavor is all here: black cherries, plums, dry tobacco, and balanced sweet oak. The wine is fantastic with Parmigiano; try it also with sausages or grilled meat
Zlatan Plavac, Plavac Mali GC, 2008
The self-proclaimed Grand Cru is produced by Zlatan Plenkovic from the premium juice of more than fifty-year-old Plavac Mali vines, and aged for 18 months in new barriques. It is a powerful example of the grape, with high extract and tannin, that will develop nicely with age - one of the highest quality examples of Plavac Mali available in Croatia, and produced in limited quantities.
Tasting Notes:
This big, inky wine offers heady black fruit on the nose, along with a mild sweet oak. Strong tannins and a full body support incredibly concentrated black cherry, plum, and blueberry fruit on the palate, along with earth and tobacco. The oak is well integrated, for an excellent overall balance.
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