Croatian wine is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. With over 2,500 years of winemaking tradition, hundreds of indigenous grape varieties, and breathtaking wine landscapes from Istria to Dalmatia, there's plenty to discover for anyone who appreciates characterful wines with a sense of place. Whether you're planning a wine trip to Croatia or simply curious about the bottles behind those hard-to-pronounce labels, here’s your guide to some of the most exciting grapes and wine regions in Croatia right now.
1. Plavac Mali – The Red Heart of Dalmatia
The blue-skinned grape Plavac Mali is Croatia’s most famous red, producing powerful, fruity wines with notes of dark berries, plum, and wild herbs. It thrives in southern Dalmatia, especially on the Pelješac Peninsula, in areas like Dingač and Postup, where terraced vineyards slope dramatically toward the Adriatic Sea.
Tip: Looking for a bold wine with sun, salt, and stone in the flavor? Try a bottle labeled Dingač – Croatia’s first officially protected wine region.
2. Pošip – A Fresh and Fruity White Favorite
Pošip is a local white grape from the island of Korčula, producing crisp, fruity wines with notes of peach, citrus, and almond. It’s a great match for seafood, Mediterranean dishes, and summer evenings.
Did you know Pošip is one of the few white grapes that can thrive this far south in Europe?
3. Malvazija Istarska – Istria’s Elegant All-Rounder
In northwestern Croatia, on the sunny Istrian Peninsula, you'll find Malvazija Istarska – a grape that delivers fresh yet full-bodied white wines with flavors of green apple, citrus, and mineral notes. It pairs beautifully with cheese, fish, or white meats, and works well as an aperitif too.
Look for producers like Kozlović, Clai, or Roxanich for exciting natural wine expressions of Malvazija.
4. Grk – A Rare White from the Island of Vis
Grk (pronounced something like "grrk") is a rare, nearly extinct grape that grows in sandy soils on the island of Vis. It produces dry, fresh wines with complexity, salinity, and citrus-driven vibrancy. Grk has become something of a wine hipster’s darling in recent years.
Grk is unique because it only has female flowers – it must be planted near other grape varieties to reproduce.
5. Teran – Istria’s Bold and Bright Red
If Plavac Mali is the pride of the south, Teran is Istria’s answer: bright, tart, and berry-forward with cherry, spice, and a touch of pepper. It's a red wine with high acidity that cuts beautifully through fatty meats and aged cheese.
Why You Should Explore Croatian Wine
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Over 130 native grape varieties – many found nowhere else
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Four distinct wine regions: Slavonia, the Uplands, Istria, and Dalmatia
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A mix of Mediterranean climate, limestone soils, and artisanal winemaking results in soulful, expressive wines
