WINES from CROATIA and her BALKAN neighbors - GRBINICH WINES

CroatiaWinePage3

Wines from CROATIA and her BALKAN Neighbors

AMAZING WINES from CROATIA and her BALKAN NEIGHBORS!

Croatian wine (vino, pl. vina) has a history dating back to the Ancient Greek settlers, and their wine production on the southern Dalmatian islands of Vis, Hvar and Korčula some 2,500 years ago. Like other old world wine producers, many traditional grape varieties still survive in Croatia, perfectly suited to their local wine hills. Modern wine-production methods have taken over in the larger wineries and EU-style wine regulations have been adopted, guaranteeing the quality of the wine.

There are currently over 300 geographically defined wine regions and a strict classification system to ensure quality and origin. The majority of Croatian wine is white, with most of the remainder being red and only a small percentage being rosé wines. In 2014, Croatia ranked 32nd in wine production by country with an estimated 45,272 tonnes.

RoseBottleWEB

VINA LAGUNA ROSÉ

12% ALC

Every summer the world falls in love with rosé, at least partly because of its charming colour. Now we are being told, especially in Provence, that rosé should be pale to be interesting, that this suggests a fresher summer wine.

In Istria, we beg to differ. Here where Alpine and Mediterranean climates meet in perfect harmony, our sunshine ripens the cabernet sauvignon early, while our cool breezes make for freshness.

So the wine looks as fruitily rosé as it tastes, yet still crisp and light. A wine to take you right through a summer lunch, from fruits de mer to fruits de forêt, and pretty as any pink in Provence – this is the lightness of being Istria.

GRAPE VARIETAL: Teran, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet

PRODUCER: Vina Laguna

LOCATION: Croatia

MerlotBottleWEB

VINA LAGUNA MERLOT

13% ALC

Dark ruby-red colour, blueberry, plum and blackberry aromas, ripe, warm, soft, and full on the palate, fruity taste of pleasant durability.

GRAPE VARIETAL: Merlot
PRODUCER: Vina Laguna
LOCATION: Croatia

CabSauvBottleWEB

VINA LAGUNA CABERNET SAUVIGNON

12.5% ALC

If you find classic claret too dry and New World cabernets too big and broody, here is a fresh alternative, with all the black fruit you could want but without the headaches. Here on this northerly Adriatic peninsula, where Alpine and Mediterranean climates meet in harmony, cabernet sauvignon grapes ripen beautifully without producing excessive alcohol. Try it with simple grilled lamb or even sea bass and discover the lightness of being Istria: all the pleasure and no pain.

GRAPE VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon
PRODUCER: Vina Laguna
LOCATION: Croatia

CastelloFestigaBottleWEB

VINA LAGUNA CASTELLO FESTIGIA

14% ALC

Deep ruby-red colour, of layered fruit-spice aromas,
which develop in a glass, of black currants, blueberries, coffee, vanilla, and
caramel. Merlot’s pliable fine tannins and warmth, Syrah’s special spicy
aromatics and Cabernet Sauvignon’s sturdy tannin structure in this cuvée.

On the palate, Castello is an extremely elegant, soft,
and supple wine, of medium body, layered and durable, of fruity and
spicy taste, which are typical characteristics of the best red wines of
fresh Mediterranean climate.

GRAPE VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Costello, Merlot, Syrah
PRODUCER: Vina Laguna
LOCATION: Croatia

MuskatZutiBottleWEB

VINA LAGUNA MUSKAT ZUTI

11% ALC

Crystal clear, light yellow colour, characteristic easily recognizable muscat aromas, exactly as of Muscat grapes,
reminiscent of basil, flowers, lime zest, citrus fruits. On the palate lightly, gently, and pleasantly sweet, intensely aromatic.

GRAPE VARIETAL: Muskat Yellow
PRODUCER: Vina Laguna
LOCATION: Croatia

VinaLagunaChardonnayBottleWEB

VINA LAGUNA CHARDONNAY

12% ALC

If you have ever found yourself muttering “anything but chardonnay”, expecting another over-weight, over-oaked specimen, think again. Here on this northerly Adriatic peninsula, where Alpine and Mediterranean climates meet in harmony, Vina Laguna suggests chardonnay can be cool again: cool climate, cool fermentation, and not a trace of oak. A great summer meant ripe grapes and full fruit flavours but with a freshness that most New World chardonnays can only dream about. Serve it cool at 10-12oC with a seafood pasta and discover the lightness of being Istria.

GRAPE VARIETAL: Chardonnay
PRODUCER: Vina Laguna
LOCATION: Croatia

MalvazijaBottleWEB

VINA LAGUNA MALVAZIJA

12.5% ALC

Crystal clear, greenish yellow colour, characteristic floral-fruit aromas, citrus notes, tropical fruits, light and fresh
on the palate, exceptionally soft and drinkable.

GRAPE VARIETAL: Malvazija
PRODUCER: Vina Laguna
LOCATION: Croatia

PinotSiviBottleWEB

VINA LAGUNA PINOT SIVI

12.5% ALC

Crystal clear, of greenish yellow colour, fine aromas of white fruits, apple, pear, fresh, harmonious, soft on the
palate, and of pleasant durability.

GRAPE VARIETAL: Pinot Gris
PRODUCER: Vina Laguna
LOCATION: Croatia

BlatinaBOTTLE_WEB copy

WINES OF ILLYRIA - BLATINA 13%ALC

BOSNIA

This wine is made of 100% Blatina, an indigenous grape of the Herzegovina region. It is comparable to Chianti Clasicco, Malbec or full-bodied, warm climate Pinot Noir. Blatina is unique and very hard to cultivate. It does not grow anywhere outside of Neretva river valley. Blatina is fickle, has a functional female flower, rendering it auto-sterile, meaning it requires other varieties to be planted nearby in order to pollinate and allow fruits. Trnjak (TER-njak) variety is used to pollinate our Blatina.

This wine exhibits a glowing ruby red color with garnet reflections. It opens gradually on the nose with soft aromas of black currant and elderberry and a hint of licorice. The palate reveals full, fresh notes of red and black currant, traces of dried figs, roasted almonds, ripe plums, and chocolate with an undertone of minerality and a savory dash of salt. Delicious freshness highlights the well-integrated acidity. A perfect wine with any spicy meal or as a cocktail wine.

Blatina_RoseBOTTLE_WEB copy

WINES OF ILLYRIA - BLATINA ROSE 13%ALC

BOSNIA

Wines of Illyria Carski Blatina Rose 2019 is a premium quality (Vrhunsko), dry rosé wine made of Blatina (BLAH-tee-nah) grapes, a native variety of the Herzegovina (Her-tsuh-GOH-vee-nuh) wine region. Salmon color, subtle tastes of citrus, and underlying notes of Mediterranean stone fruits: peaches and apricots.

In order to retain freshness and acidity, grapes are handpicked at dawn from the southern part of the Imperial Vineyards, 15 to 20 days before the main harvest. Made by spontaneous fermentation in a stainless-steel tank, with just a few hours of maceration, the wine is aged in a bottle for 4 months before served.

Plavac_MaliBOTTLE_WEB copy

WINES OF ILLYRIA - PLAVAC MALI 14%ALC

BOSNIA

This indigenous grape of Dalmatian islands thrives in Herzegovina (Her-tsuh-GOH-vee-nuh) and produces a dark red wine with blue reflections, rendering a purple color reminiscent of the royal robes of ancient Rome. The smell is pronounced, lasting and very complex; it reveals aromas of plums, figs and almonds, Mediterranean herbs and spices. Aged in Bosnian oak barrels for two years, aromas are further infused with wood scents. This wine exhibits softness, drinkability and complexity, and pairs well with red meats and spicy dishes. All Italian restaurants pair it with red sauce pastas. Vegan wine.

VranacBOTTLE_WEB copy

WINES OF ILLYRIA - VRANAC 13%ALC

BOSNIA

This full-bodied, dry, red wine is made of 100% Vranac, a kingpin grape of Southeastern Europe, closely related to Zinfandel and Primitivo. This is a very serious and seductive wine with fresh acidity and discreet fruitiness; light scents of violet and a hint of wisteria mark the nose. Soft currant and elderberry flavors are accompanied by an undertone of rose hip. An elegant, minerally wine with notes of plum, blackberry and a pinch of saltiness. Fresh, balanced and pleasant for everyday drinking.

BlatinaBOTTLE_187mlWEB

WINES OF ILLYRIA- BLATINA 187ML/13%ALC

BOSNIA

This full-bodied, dry, red wine is made of 100% Vranac, a kingpin grape of Southeastern Europe, closely related to Zinfandel and Primitivo. This is a very serious and seductive wine with fresh acidity and discreet fruitiness; light scents of violet and a hint of wisteria mark the nose. Soft currant and elderberry flavors are accompanied by an undertone of rose hip. An elegant, minerally wine with notes of plum, blackberry and a pinch of saltiness. Fresh, balanced and pleasant for everyday drinking.

StoneCuvee187ml

WINES OF ILLYRIA- STONE CUVEE 187ML/13%ALC

BOSNIA

This wine is made of 90% ZILAVKA (Zhi-LAV-kuh) and 10% BENA (BEN-na), indigenous grapes from the sun-washed Herzegovina region. Similar to a mix of Verdicchio and Vermentino or Burgundy whites from Meursault region. Light yellowish green color and crystal clear. Clean and refreshing, expressing elegance and flavors of green apples, lychee and honey, scents of chamomile and verbena with a slight mineral and nutty tone. The ripe, warm flavors of apricot, star fruit and a hint of anise are coddled by juicy acidity, Fine minerality and a long herbal-toned finish. Best paired with light white meat dishes and seafood. Try it with chicken marsala, chicken pakora or pork. IB recommended it with any fried food like soft shell crab, chicken tenders, fries or Sloppy Joe, served with honey mustard.

VranacBOTTLE_187mlWEB copy

WINES OF ILLYRIA - VRANAC 187ML/13%ALC

BOSNIA

This full-bodied, dry, red wine is made of 100% Vranac, a kingpin grape of Southeastern Europe, closely related to Zinfandel and Primitivo. This is a very serious and seductive wine with fresh acidity and discreet fruitiness; light scents of violet and a hint of wisteria mark the nose. Soft currant and elderberry flavors are accompanied by an undertone of rose hip. An elegant, minerally wine with notes of plum, blackberry and a pinch of saltiness. Fresh, balanced and pleasant for everyday drinking.

KutjevoRose2WEB

KUTJEVO ROSÉ 2019 12% ALC

CROATIA

This Rosé has a delicate and seductive color, the scent of rose and the light fruity aroma of strawberry, a refreshing, well-composed acid. The rich and persistent taste reveals the character of the Pinot Noir and Zweigelt varieties. Serve with fruit salads, fish, risotto or duck, and veal meat specialties. Indulge your senses from the first sip.

“Seductive and Fragrant” -SERVE CHILLED

LaChicWEB

VOLAREVIC LA CHIC ROSÉ 2018 13% ALC

CROATIA

This ROSÉ is rare as it is produced from the first class grape, PLAVAC MALI. Grapes are grown in the limestone and quartz hills of Dubrovnik County. Enjoy soft and rich aromas of vanilla, peach, blackberry. Label’s artist is renowned water colorist, Misha Lenn.

kUTJEVO_GrasevinaBottleWEB copy

KUTJEVO GRASEVINA 12% ALC

CROATIA

Young grasevina wine’s greenish-yellow colour exudes freshness and produces green apple over the nose, mixed with glimpses of pear and vineyard peach. Mature predicate wines are crystal gold with considerably intense aroma hinting honey notes. Young grasevina is served chilled to 10 degrees Centigrade with freshwater fish and seafood cold appetizers, white meat risotto and pasta, but also Kulen (traditional smoked flavoured sausage made from best pork meat).

ChardonnayWEB

KUTJEVO CHARDONNAY 2017 13% ALC

CROATIA

Enjoy this un-oaked Chardonnay from Croatia’s oldest producing winery near the Danube River! The flavors offer a mid-ripened grape with light tropical fruits with a hint of apple and citrus.

TraminacWEB

KUTJEVO TRAMINAC 2016 13% ALC

CROATIA

Traminac grape is an important varietal in Croatia and it flourishes in several wine producing regions. Outside of Croatia is it called ‘Gewurtztraminer’. The quintessential aroma of this grape is lychee and on the palate it is usually round with honeyed flavor. A highly aromatic white wine, perfect for warmer days.

GRAPE VARIETAL: 100% Traminac
PRODUCER: Kutjevo, a winemaking operation in the village of Kutjevo which started in 1232. One of the country’s oldest producers of quality wine.
LOCATION: Slavonia, Danube River Region of Croatia

MarkoPoloBottleWEB

BLATO MARKO POLO QUALITY DRY RED 2016 13% ALC

CROATIA

The interesting combination of the Merlot and Plavac Mali grape gives this wine a beautiful dark red body, and ruby red tones at the edges. It is balanced, has a lovely durability and a fine quality taste.

BlackStallionWEB

BLACK STALLION 11% ALC

SERBIA

The KING of wines for over 40 years in Serbia! A seductive aroma gives way to velvety dark berries with a ruby-red color. Serve with cheddar cheeses and roasted meats. Semi-sweet blend

CarLazar

RUBIN CAR LAZAR 12% ALC

SERBIA

Half-dry red wine produced in a traditional way from the mixture of red grape varieties of Prokupac, Vranac, Merlot and Gama. It goes very well with smoked delicacies and culinary specialities of red meat and game. Serving temperature for this wine is between 14°C and 16°C.

RUBIN_CaricaMilicaBottleWEB

RUBIN CARICA MILICA 12%ALC

SERBIA

Carica Milica – Rubin Half-dry red wine made from grape varieties: Prokupac and Black Burgundy. It goes exceptionally well with delicacies and culinary specialities made of young red meat. The serving temperature is between 12°C and 14°C

BearsBloodWEB

BEAR’S BLOOD 11.5% ALC

SERBIA

Enjoy this semi-sweet blend of red berry fruits that are bold and jammy. Finishes with a hint of spice. Serve with pork, beef and lamb.