A Guide to Croatia’s Native Grape Varieties: Plavac Mali, Grk, and More

Croatia is home to a diverse range of grape varietals, many of which are indigenous to the country. These grapes have been carefully cultivated and passed down through generations, giving Croatia’s wines a unique character and taste. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of Croatia’s most notable native grapes and the wines they produce.

One of the most notable native grapes is Plavac Mali. This grape is grown primarily in the Dalmatia region and is used to produce red wines that are known for their rich, full-bodied character, with notes of dark fruit, leather, and spices. Some of the top wines made from Plavac Mali include Dingač and Postup.

Another notable grape is Grk. This grape is grown primarily in the region of Lumbarda on the island of Korčula and is used to produce white wines that are known for their crisp acidity, minerality, and aromas of citrus and stone fruits. Some of the top wines made from Grk include Korčulanski Grk and Vina Laguna.

Pošip is another native grape varietals grown primarily in the region of Korčula and Pelješac. Pošip is used to produce white wines that are known for their crisp acidity, minerality, and aromas of citrus and stone fruits. Some of the top wines made from Pošip include Vina Carić and Tomić.

Lastly, the grape variety of Malvazija is grown primarily in the region of Istria. Malvazija is used to produce white wines that are known for their crisp acidity, minerality, and aromas of citrus and stone fruits. Some of the top wines made from Malvazija include Roxanich, Matošević, and Mamić.

In conclusion, Croatia is home to a diverse range of grape varietals, many of which are indigenous to the country. These grapes have been carefully cultivated and passed down through generations, giving Croatia’s wines a unique character and taste. This guide provides a starting point for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the native grape varietals of Croatia and the wines they produce.