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Wines in Croatia

Croatia can boast of a large number of excellent wineries that have a lot to offer. An excellent climate, lots of sun, proximity to the sea and ideal temperatures is the reason why so many good wines thrive here. Some of the best Croatian wineries produce more than 5,000 bottles of wine per year, which is sufficient proof of the desire and passion for this blissful beverage. As a country with a large number of wineries and excellent varieties of wine, Croatia becomes a true paradise for all lovers of top quality wine. Croatia is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe and with its long tradition of wine-growing, it is a great location to visit if you like a pleasant holiday with a good glass of wine all year round.

The most popular varieties of wine in Croatia

Some of the most popular varieties of wine in Croatia are Istrian malvazija, Plavac Mali, Graševina and Pošip. Wine has existed in Croatia since ancient times. It is recorded that some varieties have been present since the time of ancient Greece. There are many different regions, and each one is special in its own way and specific in something. Continental and coastal Croatia are the two main regions in wine production, where many beautiful varieties of vines are produced. Eastern Slavonia, Dalmatia and Istria are leading here. The offer of white wine is the largest (about 70% of the total production), however, a large share is also taken by red wine, which is also very widespread (about 30%). We will present some popular Croatian wine varieties, and then we will focus on the island of Pag and its history of viticulture and the famous Gegić variety.

Istrian Malvazija

Istrian Malvazija bears the label of autochthonous Istrian variety. It is a unique variety and differs from other related varieties that thrive in other parts of the Mediterranean. The variety is characterized by lush growth and medium to high yields. Istrian Malvazija is very resistant to fungal diseases, but despite this, it requires a great deal of involvement from winegrowers throughout the year.
It is characterized by 11.5% to 13.5% alcohol by volume. It is interesting to note that most varieties of Malvazija are grown into sweet wines, while the Istrian version is mostly a dry wine.

Plavac mali

The top quality wine made from the black grape variety Plavac mali is named after the rugged part of the Pelješac peninsula - Dingač. Back in 1961 in Geneva, Dingač became the first Croatian wine whose production method and origin were protected. It is specific for its high alcohol volume, the average of which is around 15%. It is dark red to purple-red in color. It has a bitter taste and a fruity aroma. It goes best with heavier food such as red meat and stew, and goes well with hard cheeses such as some top cheeses from the island of Pag. Dingač - Plavac is the King of all wines in Croatia and Croatia's best and most famous wine.

Graševina

Graševina is produced from the grape variety of the same name, which is traditionally grown in the continental part of Croatia, mostly in Slavonia. It is assumed that it comes from Central Europe, however, it is very widespread in Croatia and is one of the most popular and represented varieties.
It is greenish-yellow in color, dry, with fresh fruity and floral aromas. Although the Graševina variety is not autochthonous in its origin, its taste and characteristics are so specific and different from other wines of the same variety abroad. Graševina goes best with pasta and white meat and fish dishes.

Pošip

This straw-yellow white wine is made from the autochthonous variety of the same name, which is grown on the island of Korčula. Apart from Korčula, it is also produced in other parts of Central and South Dalmatia. Pošip is the first Croatian white wine with a protected geographical origin, protected in 1967. It has a high percentage of alcohol (13 to 14.5%) and you can feel the aroma of dried figs and apricots. Densely planted vineyards, sloping and terraced terrain force that most of the work is still done manually, in the traditional way. This gives this variety a special aroma.
It is recommended to drink it chilled with fish, shellfish and white meat and is one of the most popular drinks in the hot summer months.

Viticulture and varieties of the island of Pag

The tradition of making wine in Pag has existed since ancient times. For centuries, viticulture was one of the foundations of Pag's economy. On average, about 3,300 tons of grapes were harvested annually in Pag. The largest vineyard areas were located in the area of Julovica, Svilno, Blat, Murvica and Vodice. In those periods, almost every family was engaged in viticulture. With the advent of tourism, in the later period of the twentieth century, the number of vineyards decreased by two thirds, and the inhabitants of the island turned to tourist profits. In the last twenty years, things have changed a lot, and again we have a large number of families who live and grow vines and wine.
Many parts of the island have been renovated into new vineyards and you can see people working regularly in their fields and on their wines.
On Pag, the most common varieties grown are Gegić, which has small yellow grapes, and Trbljan and Plavina, which are characterized by larger grapes.

Gegić variety - the most famous variety of the island of Pag

After several decades of wine-growing lull in Pag, the re-production of pure varietal Gegić aroused great interest among winemakers. Namely, this is a very interesting meeting of strength and elegance. The raw material for the production of quality Gegić is created in the inhospitable environment of the violent Velebit bora. Chilled at a temperature of 12 - 14°C, it is the perfect addition to a local island dinner, which can be anything from the widely known lamb, cheese, fish or shellfish.

Where to taste wine in Pag?

The company "Vina otoka Pag" inherits a long tradition and revitalizes the Gegić variety, which produces quality wine, as well as many others. The company and winery are located near the town of Pag, and a store is open all year round where you can buy local Pag varieties. There is also an area for tasting wine and the widely known Pag cheese.
If you want to drink a glass of wine in an environment near the sea, on the beach itself and with the sound of the waves, we recommend the Vrsha beach bar in the Terra Park Phalaris camp and the SpiritoS pizzeria and bar in the Terra Park SpiritoS camp. The waiters will serve you with a menu from which you can choose some of the best Croatian and Pag wines.
You can also try some of the best wines at the "Boškinac" winery. It is a beautiful story of a family that cherishes the traditions of its ancestors and that has a winery with its autochthonous varieties within the hotel. During the summer, tours of the wine cellar are organized with tasting of red and white wines. With a special reservation, this is also possible during the rest of the year. Of course, nothing can go without Pag cheese and anchovies, so these island delicacies are also included in the price.

In the end, we can only invite you to this wonderful country and this wonderful island. Find the truth in wine, enjoy a glass of your favorite drink with the sunset all year round.
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