6 Interesting Croatian Wine Facts

Croatia, which is located astride the Adriatic Sea (across Italy) is a diverse and a beautiful country. It enjoys 2715 hours of sunshine a year. It is home to one the world’s popular dog breed Dalmatians. The hit HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ was filmed here. World’s famous inventor Nikola Telsa was born in this country. Alfred Hitchcock felt that it has one of world’s most amazing sunsets.

But above all, for wine lovers there are the Croatian Wines – which as per some are one of the best kept secrets of the wine world. Wine production in Croatia goes way back to the 5th century BC. Presently it has over 300 geographically defined wine regions and a strict classification system to ensure quality.  If all that has sparked your imagination (it surely ignited mine), then here are six interesting facts about Croatian Wines. (Featured image credit – Vivino)

Six Interesting Wine Facts about Croatia

Croatians mix wine with water – Croatians are known to add water (and even cola) to their wines. In coastal region there’s ‘Bevanda’ – a mix of red wine with plain water and in inland there is ‘Gemist’ – a mix of white wine and sparkling water. Not sure if this is a good idea but I’m not judging before tasting this combo.

Anthony Bourdain loved Croatian wines – During his last visit to Croatia, while filming his television series No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain, evidently pleased at the end of his tour of the country, stated in the legendary Bibich winery: “Why, oh why, is there so much amazing wine in this country?”

It’s the homeland of Zinfandel – As per research, one of the great  grape varietals of the world known as Zinfandel in California (Primitivo in Italy) hails from Croatia where it is called Crljenak Kaštelanski.

Drinking Laws – The minimum age for purchasing liquor in Croatia is 18, but there is no minimum age for consuming it. Croatia has strict laws regarding drinking and driving, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent

One for the road – Croatians are very friendly and if they are hosting you then expect some rakija (plum brandy) as a starter. They would then expect you to have at least two glasses of wine – you risk offending your host if you show reluctance. And when you have said your thank you and are wanting to leave – the host will talk you into having a last glass of wine – “for the road”.

Sunken Wine –  Edivo Vina winery in Croatia offers you to take a dive under sea to visit their under water cellars. The wine amphorae are placed inside padlocked cages and lowered into the Adriatic Sea to a depth of 20 metres, where they stay for up to two years. The process gives their wine called as Navis Mysterium, or “Sea Mystery” wine a ‘pinewood aroma’, according to its makers.