The Perfect Pairing: Adriatic Cruise and Wine Tasting

As you set out on your adventure along the azure Adriatic Sea, exploring Croatian wines could seamlessly fit into your agenda and enrich your trip with a gourmet twist.

Croatia boasts a winemaking heritage that spans over two millennia. Vineyards have flourished in Croatia's coastal regions and islands since the Bronze Age, when the Illyrians first began cultivating grapevines.

Supporting this long and rich viticultural history is a remarkably diverse terroir, home to over 130 indigenous grape varieties found nowhere else in the world. To eliminate the guesswork and save you time researching, here is a guide for finding Croatia’s best wines while sailing.

Dalmatian Wine Varieties

Debit

Debit is the ultimate summer wine. It typically has a pale yellow color, with aromas of citrus - particularly lemon and lime - and pome fruits. On the palate, it is known for fresh and crisp acidity and mild salinity. Its straightforward profile pairs delightfully with simple and fresh seafood dishes such as octopus salad and grilled fish.

Key Viticultural Area: The towns of Šibenik and Skradin

Notable Producers: Ante Sladić and Bibich

Plavac mali

As Dalmatia's flagship red wine grape, Plavac Mali produces full-bodied and firmly structured wines. In recent years, the style has shifted: more and more producers are making lighter, more elegant Plavac Mali. For more elegant Plavac Mali, try the ones from Komarna, Croatia's newest wine region. For the traditional style, seek out the ones from the Dingač and Postup appellations. This wine can be paired with meat risotto and stews.

Key Viticultural Area: Southern Dalmatia, namely Brač, Hvar, Komarna, Pelješac Peninsula, and Vis

Notable Producers: Rizman, Stina, Vislander

Pošip

A white wine grape native to the Korčula island, it produces wine with significant texture and a flavor profile dominated by juicy pome fruit. Its refreshing quality makes it an ideal companion for seafood dishes, which are plentiful along the Dalmatian coast.

Key Viticultural Area: Korčula Island

Notable Producers: Grgić and Krajančić

Istrian Wine Varieties

Malvazija Istarska

A flagship white wine grape of Istria, it is made in many styles: including sparkling, fresh, and aged. It is mainly consumed as a fresh wine, when it is moderately aromatic with botanical and citrus notes. Malvazija wine is often enjoyed with seafood and pasta.

Key Viticultural Area: Istria

Notable Producers: Cattunar and Matošević

Teran

Teran is Istria's most prominent red wine grape, known for its deep color, high acidity, ferrous aroma, and flavors redolent of dark berries. It is a great match for Istrian prosciutto, aged cheese, and game dishes.

Key Viticultural Area: Istria

Notable Producers: Benvenuti, Coronica and Kozlović

Where to Buy?

To enjoy these wines onboard your yacht, look no further than AlmaBura. They specialize in providing personalized selections of the finest Croatian wines delivered directly to your yacht.