Croatia's indigenous wine varieties are world-class and largely unknown outside the country: Plavac Mali (related to Zinfandel) from the Pelješac peninsula, Pošip from Korčula, Grk from Lumbarda, and Malvazija Istarska from Istria.
Why It Belongs on the List
Croatia has a fascinating indigenous wine cultures in Europe — over 130 native varieties, the best of which are world-class and nearly unknown outside the country. Plavac Mali (the Dalmatian red, genetically the parent grape of Primitivo/Zinfandel, produced at its finest on the steep south-facing slopes of the Pelješac peninsula at Dingač and Postup — the first Croatian protected wine designation, 1961). Pošip (the floral, mineral white of Korčula island — one of Croatia's most commercially successful indigenous whites). Grk (grown only in Lumbarda on Korčula, in sand, producing an oxidative, full-bodied white that is one of Croatia's most distinctive). Malvazija Istarska (Istria's defining white, ranging from light and mineral to rich and complex depending on the producer). The best places to drink: Wine Bar Paradox in Hvar Town, the winery visits on the Pelješac Wine Road (near Ston, the walled town with Europe's second-longest walls after Dubrovnik — 5.5km, built 1333 to protect the salt pans), and the konobas of Vis island.
What Stands Out
- Plavac Mali (Pelješac) — parent grape of Zinfandel
- Pošip (Korčula) — Croatia's finest indigenous white
- Grk (Lumbarda, Korčula) — grown in sand, unique profile
- Malvazija Istarska — Istria's defining variety
- Pelješac Wine Road — first Croatian protected designation (1961)