Wine in Croatia: A Rich Tradition
Although Croatia is a small country, it offers many interesting things to its guests. Among other things, it is interesting for its wine, which has been produced here since the beginning of vine cultivation in Europe. In addition to a long tradition of wine production in Croatia, one can still find a large number of indigenous grape varieties, many of which are of specific characteristics and superior potential. If we take into account the facts that the area for growing grapes is very diverse, that in this small area four of the five climatic zones can be found, that there are many variations in relief and soil composition, the conclusion is that Croatia has many kinds of wines of different and often original in their characteristics, in short - wine for every taste.
Croatian viticulture and oenology in the past
There is evidence that the noble grape - Vitis vinifera was cultivated in this area from a few centuries before Christ, when it was, according to numerous sources, brought to the coastal areas by prehistoric traders and colonizers of the Mediterranean, the Phoenicians and Greeks. A special credit for starting wine growing and for the introduction of initial wine varieties goes to the Greeks, who reached the eastern Adriatic coast and settled permanently at prominent points. They established settlements of the citystate (polis) type, the most famous of those are Korkyra - Korčula, Issa - Vis, Pharos - Hvar, Tragurion - Trogir and Epidaurus - Cavtat. Grapes arrived on the continent later with the expansion of the Roman Empire spreading from south to north. The Romans spread and developed wine growing and grapes arrived in all areas where climatic conditions allowed its cultivation. This activity runs throughout the long history of ups and downs, and in the late 19th century wine growing reached its peak. The official statistics of that time recorded the largest area under vine, after which, unfortunately, it never reached that record area. The reason for that was the emergence of new diseases and phylloxera, which led to the deterioration of many vineyards and since wine production was a very important industry, this was reflected in major demographic changes. Croatia is a country with a long tradition of wine growing and wine production, but also the homeland of many grape varieties. A large number of varieties exist here since the beginning of cultivation, and the reasons for this were many. Geographical position, turbulent history and links with other nations and cultures have enabled our country to be introduced to many foreign varieties, but it is certain that a large number of the varieties originate from here too. This is further confirmed by the latest results of genetic research which agree that this area is an important center in the development of genetic varieties, whence a number of Croatian, but also some world varieties originate. Consequently in the pre-phylloxera era, when the wine was at its peak Croatia was growing more than 400 varieties, but in the reconstruction of vineyards many varieties disappeared. However, the latest results from Croatian vineyard inventory and genetic identification of varieties in cultivation show that about 130 varieties can still be found that can be regarded as indigenous. Many of them have very high oenological potential, so in recent years a number of rehabilitation programs have been implemented and some varieties have already become economically important.
Croatia today
Viticulture and wine production are still very important economic activities in Croatia. According to some indicators a large number of residents directly or indirectly are connected with this production, and the potential is much larger than the current situation. The total area of vineyards in Croatia, according to official statistics, is about 33,000 hectares and wine-growing areas are divided into two regions (continental and coastal Croatia), 12 sub-regions and 66 vineyards. Within these, many locations stand out with especially good ecologicalal conditions where they produce famous wines. The composition of vineyards shows that the majority of vineyards are small (less than a hectare - more than 80% come under this category) with small producers predominating. Many of those produce wine only for their own use, but there is also a remarkable number of market producers - more than 700 wineries produce around 2000 wines with a protected geographical origin. But there are only twenty of those whose production exceeds 3000 hl/year and who belong to the category of big wine producers. The production of white wines is predominant (70%), fol-
Edi Maletić
lowed by production of reds (29%) and rosé (only 1%).
Today, Croatia grows many varieties of grape vines - the official variety list shows that there are two hundred of them. Besides the large number of indigenous sorts almost all major international varieties were introduced, many of which show excellent results. For example, Riesling (Riesling Italico, Welschriesling) exhibits high quality in all categories, according to many wine critics in Croatia (Slavonia and Danube regions) it reflects the maximum qualitative potential. Today that is Croatia's most important variety (about 25% of cultivars), and it can be found in all wine regions the continental regions. Beside it, Istrian Malvasia and Plavac Mali are indigenous Croatian aces - leading varieties in their areas (Istria and Dalmatia), and an unavoidable subject when talking about Croatian wines. Their potential is very high, and as a result of technological progress in recent years wines of these varieties that attract attention and consumer demand are produced. Along with Riesling they occupy almost half of Croatian vineyards and form the largest part of the wine offer. It is also necessary to mention other wines - Chardonnay, Pinot, Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Rajna's Riesling - varieties of the world, as well as Pošip, Teran, Žlahtina, Zinfandel and Dubrovnik's Malvasia of the indigenous varieties that greatly enrich the Croatian wine scene and without which any discussion about Croatian wines is inconceivable. Despite poor recognition on the world wine map, which is the result of small quantities of wine production and the lack of recognizable wine brands, Croatia is, thanks to many natural benefits, an interesting wine country. Very diverse environmental conditions, a large number of indigenous varieties and in recent years - development of high technology vinification - create conditions for the production of high quality, and by its nature, original wines. In addition, you can enjoy them with traditional Croatian dishes, often in beautiful natural surroundings, which are undeniable and irreplaceable assets. That is why and rightfully so, the wine stands out as a unique product because it combines tradition, natural resources and high technology - enough for complete enjoyment.
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