{"title":"CROATIA","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Vineyards in Croatia\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CollectionBanner_4e95dfad-5876-460d-ae32-c38457d33d34.jpg?v=1687508758\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eCroatia is one of Europe’s most exciting and diverse wine frontiers, boasting a winemaking heritage that stretches back over 2,500 years. With over 120 indigenous grape varieties, the country offers a treasure trove for those looking to move beyond the predictable. From the sun-baked islands of the Adriatic to the cool, fertile plains of the interior, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"354\"\u003eCroatian wine\u003c\/b\u003e is defined by its authenticity and deep connection to the land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eIn the north, the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria produces vibrant, mineral-led whites from the native \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"104\"\u003eMalvazija Istarska\u003c\/b\u003e grape. This region is also home to the bold, high-acid \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"178\"\u003eTeran\u003c\/b\u003e, a red wine that captures the wild energy of the iron-rich soils. Moving inland to Slavonia and the Danube, the focus shifts to \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"312\"\u003eGraševina\u003c\/b\u003e, the country’s most widely planted variety, celebrated for its floral aromas and refreshing, crisp finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eFurther south along the dramatic coastline of Dalmatia, the intense Mediterranean sun creates powerful, sun-drenched reds. Here, the flagship \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"142\"\u003ePlavac Mali\u003c\/b\u003e—a relative of Zinfandel—thrives on steep, rugged slopes, delivering concentrated flavours of dark fruit and herbs. This is also the home of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"294\"\u003ePošip\u003c\/b\u003e, a full-bodied white from the island of Korčula that balances richness with a distinctive saline freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eWhether you are exploring the elegant sparklers of the Uplands or the robust reds of the coast, our range of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"109\"\u003epremium Croatian wines\u003c\/b\u003e showcases a country that is masterfully blending ancient traditions with a modern, high-quality approach. These are wines of real character, built for discovery and food-friendly enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"stina-posip-jako-vino","title":"Stina Pošip Jako Vino 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Stina Pošip Jako Vino is a superb example of Dalmatia’s renowned indigenous white grape variety, Pošip. The beautiful Croatian island of Brač is famous for its white stone, which is known locally as Stina and was the inspiration behind the name of this stunning collection of Jako Vino wines. The grapes were cooled prior to vinification and protected from oxygenation throughout. Two thirds of the grapes were gently pressed; the remaining third was left to macerate on the skins for six hours. 80% of the fermentation took place with selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures; 20% took place in wooden vats, imparting subtle oak complexity to the wine. The wine was then aged in stainless steel tanks for six months. Intense citrus, passionfruit and peach flavours are lifted by a refreshing minerality, creating an exotic, elegant style with a textured palate and a persistent finish. Intriguingly packaged with an understated label. [#intro]A superb example of Dalmatia's renowned indigenous Pošip grape, intriguingly packaged with an understated label...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stina","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40535211835459,"sku":"A23STINAPOSIP","price":31.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/PosipBt.jpg?v=1687689341"},{"product_id":"stina-cuvee-white-jako-vino","title":"Stina 'Cuvee White' Jako Vino 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Stina 'Cuvee White' Jako Vino is a white wine made from a blend of Pošip (70%), Chardonnay (20%) and Vugava (10%). A youthful yet complex nose delights with layers of citrus notes combined with tropical hints of peach and mango. The full bodied palate is dry, refreshingly balanced and full of juicy yellow fruits with characteristic minerality on the finish. [#intro]A youthful yet complex \u0026amp; layered white wine full flavoured with a lovely saline finish...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stina","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40535230545987,"sku":"A22STINACUVEEWHITE","price":18.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CuveeBt.jpg?v=1687690629"},{"product_id":"vina-kozlovic-istria-teran","title":"Vina Kozlović Teran 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Kozlović family have been making wine in the Istrian region of Croatia since 1904. The region borders Friuli and the wines, food and people have a real connection with their Italian neighbours. The indigenous Teran grape variety is characterised by high acidity and low tannins and makes wonderfully refreshing wines. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimum maturity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures. The wine was then matured in wooden barrels of 30 hectolitres for eight months, prior to bottling. Fresh and intense aromas of raspberry, blueberry and strawberry are complemented by hints of pepper and herbaceous notes. Bright and vibrant with silky tannins. [#intro]Fresh \u0026amp; crunchy flavours of rhubarb \u0026amp; cranberry fruit with fennel hints, herbaceous \u0026amp; vibrant...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kozlović","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40541088710723,"sku":"A24KOZLOVICTERAN","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/TeranBottle.jpg?v=1688207942"},{"product_id":"matosevic-alba-malvazija-istarska","title":"Matošević 'Alba' Malvazija Istarska 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Matošević 'Alba' is made from Croatia’s native grape variety, Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana). The vineyards are located in the Istria wine region at 250-300 metres above sea level in an area characterised by a Mediterranean climate, with mild and rainy winters followed by dry, hot summers. The vines are between 16 to 31 years of age and harvesting is done by hand. Minimal pesticides and no herbicides are used and organic practices are followed in the vineyards. At the winery grapes from specific vineyard plots were fermented separately with their indigenous yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on its fine lees until January to develop complexity. Blending of single-vineyard vats took place in late January and the wine was bottled in February. This wine saw no oak or malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the bright varietal aromas. On the nose, there are aromas of ripe peach, apricot, and citrus complemented by floral notes of acacia flowers and chamomile. On the palate, pronounced minerality and refreshing acidity results in a clean, elegant finish. [#intro]A refreshing herbal \u0026amp; mineral wine made from Croatia's native grape variety Malvazija Istarska...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matošević","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41091171450947,"sku":"A22MATOSEVICALBA-1","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/AlbaBt.jpg?v=1711790768"},{"product_id":"matosevic-grimalda-red-wine","title":"Matošević Grimalda Red 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Matošević ‘Grimalda’ Red is an organic certified red wine blend of Teran (30%), Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) grapes, sourced from a terraced, sunny, single vineyard in Central Istria, near the village of Grimalda. An alpine variety similar to Refosco, Teran provides forest berry aromas, high levels of acidity and crunchy, slightly wild tannins. The Merlot adds flesh to the mid-palate and lends a suppleness to the texture. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for around 15 months, which contributes spicy complexity. Grimalda is a complex, long-lived, juicy, but also easy-drinking red wine that is a vibrant ruby in colour. A mixture of red and black fruits dominate on the nose along with hints of chocolate and spice. The palate is fresh and juicy, with gentle tannins, an excellent structure and lifted minerality on the close. [#intro]A juicy, easy-drinking, Croatian red wine sourced from a single vineyard in Central Istria...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matošević","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41446998540355,"sku":"A20MATOSEVICGRIMALDA-1","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/GrimaldaBt.jpg?v=1716396900"},{"product_id":"matosevic-alba-antiqua-malvazija-istarska","title":"Matošević 'Alba Antiqua' Malvazija Istarska 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescribed by the late Steven Spurrier as \"Croatia’s best winemaker\", Ivica Matošević has played a large role in championing Croatia’s native grape variety, Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana), coaxing out its complex herbal, mineral and slightly bitter almond characteristics. He has pushed the quality of Croatian wine ever further with the ‘Alba Antiqua’ which is made from 100% Malvazija Istarska, selected from a single vineyard near the village of Krasica in western Istria, which is highly prized for its low yields. Made only in exceptional vintages, it is fermented on its skins for several days to create texture, then aged in French oak and acacia barrels for 30 months. Straw yellow in colour, this wine stands out due to its ripe aromatics, and wide spectrum of notes. Aromas of apricot and spices are lifted by bright floral notes. The palate is rich with flavours of acacia flowers and honey, which lead to a long finish, characterised by a tropical-nutty tone. This style of wine is reminiscent of ancient Mediterranean styles and is suitable for ageing in bottle. [#intro]Made only in exceptional vintages this is reminiscent of ancient Mediterranean styles \u0026amp; suitable for ageing...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matošević","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55882620043645,"sku":"A19MATOSEVICALBAANTIQUA-1","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/AlbaAntiquaBt.jpg?v=1745684317"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Collection_Image_Dubrovnik.jpg?v=1687508911","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/croatian-wine\/croatia.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}