My thoughts on Croatian wine

Croatians wine will burst on the scene... especially one coming from Hvar and Korčula Island. This part of the world was cultivated with grapevine by Greeks and Romans for a long time, and there is even a reference to "the best wine" in the world, produced on the island of Vis. Ancient writer Athenaios write this in his "Banquet of scientists" some 2000+ years ago...

Unfortunately until now, I know just one serious wine from Croatia. The one I've tried last year, namely Zlatan Plavac Barrique from Hvar Island.

This time around, to be perfectly frank, they got me by surprise. Croatians wine will burst on the scene... especially from Hvar and Korčula Island. I'm amazed of the quality, modern stile (in positive connotation), concentration, flavors...

This is my "notable selection":


Zlatan Plenković - Zlatan Grand Cru - 2006, Island of Hvar, Croatia
Type: Red
Varietals: Plavac Mali
Note: Cult wine. Amazing complexity and elegance. (92 pts.)


Ivan Dolac Barrique - 2006, Island of Hvar, Croatia
Type: Red
Varietals: Plavac Mali
Note: A big beauty. (90 pts.)


Zlatan Plenković - Zlatan Barrique - 2006, Island of Hvar, Croatia
Type: Red
Varietals: Plavac Mali
Note: Full bodied wine but smooth. (89 pts.)


Postup - Donja Banda - 2006, Peninsula Peljesac, Croatia
Type: Red
Varietals: Plavac Mali
Note: Very dry. (88 pts.)


Dingač Vinarija - Dingač - 2006, Peninsula Peljesac, Croatia
Type: Red
Varietals: Plavac Mali
Note: No oak. Fine wine (87 pts.)


Čara - Marco Polo - 2007, Island of Korčula, Croatia
Type: White
Varietals: Pošip
Note: Great aromas and perfectly balanced. (87 pts.)


Čara - 2007, Island of Korčula, Croatia
Type: White
Varietals: Pošip
Note: Little brother of the Marco Polo. (84 pts.)


Babić - Primošten - 2006, Sjeverna Dalmacija, Croatia
Type: Red
Varietals: Babić
Note: Absolutely amazing and completely new taste. Plus it stands quite nice with fish on grill... I can't rate it as I don't have a reference point...


Grgic - Dingač - XXXX, Peninsula Peljesac, Croatia
Type: Red
Varietals: Plavac Mali
Note: The only wine I haven't got a chance to taste it :-/

The 100-point Rating Scale
* Extraordinary (96-100 points)
* Outstanding (90-95)
* Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
* Good (80-84)
* Average (75-79)
* Below average (70-74)
* Avoid (50-70)

For all wines decanting a minimum a half hour before drinking is a must.

Seek, find and taste; you are not going to be disappointed!