Croatia has been on my radar for quite some time. Both as a place I’d like to visit someday and a wine region I’d like to taste more and learn more about. I’ve tasted a couple Croatian wines over the years, but this is the first review I’ve done of one.
I don’t see Croatian wines on the shelves in my local wine shops. If I went hunting for it there are a couple specialty shops that bring in more unique and interesting wines where I may find it. But I don’t see it in the main shops in my neighborhood. The bottle I’m reviewing today came from Wine & More, an online shop specializing in Croatian wines and olive oils. Ordering online (where you can) is likely the easiest way to get Croatian wines in most parts of the US. Although protectionist shipping policies tailored to favor distributors over consumers or producers can make it difficult to get wine shipped in some regions — but let’s focus on this lovely Croatian wine and not get distracted with politics right now.
At first glance I was excited when I saw this wine is made from a grape called “graševina” because I’m working on my Doppel status (200 wines) with the Wine Century Club. I thought this was going to be a new variety for me to add to the list, until I discovered that graševina is the Croatian name for welschriesling, a variety I have previously tried.
Graševina is the most widely-planted variety in Croatia, where I understand about 20% of the vines are graševina. Like with many grape varieties differences in the vineyards, harvesting and winemaking can result in different expressions in the wine.
This one is light on the nose, offering soft wildflower and hay-like aromas. The palate is nice and bright, delivering crisp green apple and lemon flavors up front, transitioning into stony mineral flavors on the mid-palate and finish. The acidity is good and the mouthfeel is pleasant. The finish lingers on for a good bit.
Wine: Feravino, Dika, Graševina
Varieties: Graševina (welschriesling)
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 86
Price: $9.99
Disclosure: This wine was provided as a media sample.
