Varieties
Cultivars that can be found in Croatia: 200
Listed as recognized on the official list of the Republic of Croatia: 198
Indigenous varieties: 60
Main domestic varieties:
GRAŠEVINA – 4.511,8 ha (approx 23 % of the total vineyard area of Croatia),
Graševina is the most common variety in Croatia. Its characteristics range from delicate, refreshing wines in West Slavonia to opulent, dry, fresh and mineral wines from Central Slavonia and mature, powerful, full bodied wines that come from the Croatian Danube region. Sweet predicate wines from selected dried berries and
ice wines that can age for decades are the jewels of this region. Graševina can be found in other countries under various names, but only in Croatia does it stand for a premium quality wine that is always listed at the very top of a winemaker’s portfolio. We like to say that Graševina has found its home in Croatia.
Other varieties from Slavonia and Croatian Danube:
Whites: Traminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc
Reds: Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zweigelt, Purtugizec (Blauer Portugieser), Pinot Noir, Syrah
MALVASIA ISTARIANA – 1.662,5 ha (approx 8 %, of the total vineyard area of Croatia),
Malvasia is a bright, fragrant, spring-like white wine from the cooler air of mystical, green Istria. At the moment, this is Croatia’s most successful variety. It is one of the few varieties of dry white wine that has the potential to age for more than a decade and keep its great form, especially when it comes from top wineries. Malvasia
comes in two styles. It can be fresh, which is instantly recognizable by its IQ label, a certificate of high quality. This wine is intended for consumption within 3 years from the harvest. It is characterized by an abundance of fruity aromas, the most common being peach, citrus or banana, and a full, strong taste of mineral, with a
refreshing, mildly bitter aftertaste. Malvasia is also capable of aging in a variety of wooden barrels. These can be made of either oak or acacia, and, depending on the wine maker, differ in size. Depending on the winemaking process and aging, it is ready for sale no sooner than two years from the harvest and can maintain high levels of quality for as much as ten years.
Other varieties from Istria and Kvarner:
Whites: Žlahtina, Muscat, Chardonnay
Reds: Teran, Sansigot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
PLAVAC MALI – 1.550,2 ha (approx 8 %, of the total vineyard area of Croatia),
Plavac Mali is used to craft some of the finest Croatian red wines, especially when it comes from the barren, steep southern slopes of Southern and Central Dalmatia facing the sea, from positions such as Dingac, Ivan Dolac or Postup. These locales are the home of the most famous and priciest labels, wines that are often powerful, alcoholic, full-bodied and opulent. Further inland, Plavac is used to make fruitier,
lighter, juicier, everyday wines to be enjoyed with a variety of cuisines.
Other varieties from Dalmatia:
Whites: Pošiš, Grk, Debit, Vugava, Kujunduša, Maraština, Malvasija Dubrovacka, Prc, Bogdanuša, Gegić
Reds: Babić, Tribidrag, Plavina, Lasina, Drnekuša, Dobricić, Trnjak