Alan Kingsbury takes a virtual day at the northern Adriatic courtesy of three bottles of delicious Croatian wine.
Dalmatia, the area that comprises of the long, beautiful and island-bejeweled coast of Croatia, holds a secret of ancient vineyards producing fabulous wines which are distinctive, individual and remarkable value.
Not normally no problem finding, three super examples of Dalmatian wine are offered by Mountain Valley Wines, a small company founded in 2004 by Nemanja Borjanovic who spotted a gap in britain market for wines from South Eastern Europe.
But do you speak Croatian?
No?
Well, like me then, you’re going to have a difficult time reading the labels of these bottles; but that wont be a problem once you’ve tasted the contents
Posip Svirce (L9.98) Can be a light and aromatic white created using a grape that is a native from the Dalmatian coast which makes a super aperitif. It possesses a mild nose but quickly reveals its individual pleasures around the palate .A combination of light oxidation and a touch of barrel are paying homage to fino sherry, This is well balanced with a mellow and herby, honeyed fruit; all setting the scene very nicely for your reds to follow.
Plavac Mali is the indigenous red grape of Croatia whose distinctiveness, character and quality best places it to rival greater famous grape varieties of the globe. This wine is very famous in whole Croatia, especially in Makarksa where tourists drink a whole lot this wine.
Peljesac Plavac Mali 2010 (L9.98) is, at 12% alcohol, a relatively light example of what can be a robust wine. The label incorporates a charming image of the traditional working donkey still in use on the Dalmatian vineyards.
An attractive bouquet, redolent of strawberry, is followed through with cooked strawberry jam about the palate enriched with dusty spice, earth and mint. Certainly not heavy, this wine will be popular with those of us who try a mixture of individuality, class and rusticity.
The island of Hvar is reputed for the high class wines and Ivan Dolac 2007 (L19.99) are a wide and impressive example from its south coast.
Volatiles emanating from this deeply coloured wine are extraordinarily powerful and evocative. Bring the glass for a nose and you are certain to be transported somewhere magical. For me, Ivan Dolac played with memories of old Venetian interiors, Persian rugs and fruitwood as the ripe black fruits, enhanced by aromatic spice, are continued very fine tannins from18 months oak ageing.
The Plavac Mali grapes are picked as late as possible resulting in a high concentration of both fruit and alcohol (15.2%!) so, while you’re inhaling the aromas, you will observe the ‘legs’ of the wine running around the glass as thick as toffee.
Following on from the other, these wines are entertaining, enjoyable and great with food. I did my advisable to ‘go Croatian’ with a casserole of spiced sausage, beans and vegetables.
Mountain Valley Wines, who also supply the rustic ‘Plantaze’ wines from Montenegro and examples from Slovenia, use a hassle-free delivery service that really ensures they are worth a try.
There’s no minimum order. U.K. wide delivery for 12 bottles is only L3.99 as well as for over 12 bottles it’s free; making it a very simple route to discovering one of the best kept wine secrets in Europe.
In Croatia Are Many Attractive Summer Places For Vacation And One Of That Is Makarska.