
Croatia
Wine production in Croatia has been taking place
for centuries, and in fact its history dates as far back as the Ancient Greeks
who first produced wine in the south Dalmatian region 2500 years ago. Many of
the most traditional grape varieties survive in Croatia since they are ideally
suited to the local wine hills, however when it comes to wine production
methods, large scale Croatian producers have adopted modern practices, which
means that the quality of their wine can be guaranteed.Croatia has more than 300 defined wine regions,
with a strict classification system in place ensuring origin and quality. Most
Croatian wines are whites, with the rest being primarily red and only a tiny
proportion being rose.Domestic wine consumption is common, with most
local people traditionally drinking wine to accompany their meals, although it
is often diluted with sparkling or still water to produce a drink called gemist
or bevanda.Croatia has two very distinct wine production
styles, with the north eastern regions producing fruit, rich whites that are
similar to those produced in Hungary, Austria and Slovenia. Meanwhile, in the
South, the wines produced are traditionally Mediterranean style reds. The
Dalmatian coastline and islands have their own local varieties of grapes, and
when this is paired with the unusual microclimates and harsh vineyard
landscapes, the wines produced here are extremely individual and are among the
best known in the country.
Almost 70% of Croatian wine is white, with 32%
being red, although some dessert and sparkling wines are also produced here,
although they are less well known internationally and have yet to be firmly
established in the market...