A Croatian Wine Tasting – Episode #553

October 7, 2008

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Gary Vaynerchuk Tastes 2 Whites and a Red from Croatia.

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Comments on this episode(245) Leave a comment ›

  • “Hi there, grat show, and just one addition….

    Since some of the fo…” by vedran

  • “Kristo comments on the wines made on the southern coast of Hvar and su…” by richard
  • View all 245 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Vivoda Malvazija play review at cork'd
2006 Kutjevo Mihalj Graevina play review at cork'd
2004 Zlatan Otok Plavac Mali play review at cork'd

245 Responses

  1. October 7, 2008

    Withnail

    Great topic – sending this to Croatian friends.

  2. October 7, 2008

    John Farrin

    2

  3. October 7, 2008

    Glen....WineCrazy.Com

    QOTD…. None!!!!

  4. October 7, 2008

    Daniel Kemp 4 Earth Emperor

    Gary, I just wanted to say thank you for all your great videos and help on this blog and your other blog.

    Thank you again,
    Daniel Kemp

  5. October 7, 2008

    Susan

    Gary -THANKS for the Birthday shout out for my nephew Mark!! He LOVES watching your episodes!!!

  6. October 7, 2008

    Johnnyutah

    QOTD: have had a few from Romania that were so so and a few from Croatia, but nothing that stood out…what a great find!

    Your right, that would be an excellent placement for a restaurant wine list looking to expand into territory that other lists do not.

  7. October 7, 2008

    Hinrgman

    Never ever had any of these – will you have them there on Saturday??

  8. October 7, 2008

    Sean McCann

    QOTD: None, but after this episode I will go out and get some.

  9. October 7, 2008

    Dr T from N. Carolina

    A white from Istria (Istra)? Nope, not usually a good idea. Slovonia is the home of pleasant whites. Istria is for CabSauv and Plavac!

    QOTD — best Eastern European wine was a home made red field blend my wife’s uncle made (a farmer near Zagreb)

    And GV — there are good bargains in Croatia if you can search them out!

  10. October 7, 2008

    John Farrin

    Spent a week in Dubrovnik in 1984. Beautiful walled city built by the Venitians 1200 years ago. The streets (stone) in the walled city were shinyom the 1200 years of foot traffic (other than delivery and service vehicles, no moter traffic). Fabulous! In 1984, the wines, not so much.

    QOTD: None that I considered good, but then again none for 24 years.

  11. October 7, 2008

    waibeans

    why is this a good day to comment hmmmm?! You already did the free shipping yesterday dude. I call shenanigans!!!

    QOD: can’t remember the varietal but I did pick up a Hungarian red from WL last year for fun. I think it was a Vylyan zweigelt or pinot noir. Very acceptable.

    ttyl GV!

  12. October 7, 2008

    Marshall

    QOTD:I had an amazing ribolla gialla from Slovenia, but I can’t remember the name of it! I remember that it was a 2004 vintage.

  13. October 7, 2008

    Rowland

    yo yo kickin it with Eastern Europe!!!!!!

  14. October 7, 2008

    Marc

    QOTD: None! But you better let us know when the Plavic is available!

  15. October 7, 2008

    Neil

    QOTD: None.

  16. October 7, 2008

    SurfCityJay

    QOTD: None…

    Work on the Plavac and get a good price… will be buying some…

  17. October 7, 2008

    Snarf

    QOTD: none*

    * I have 2 bottles of Greek red wine in the cellar (from WL) which I am allowing to age. Do they count?

  18. October 7, 2008

    Mark

    QOTD: Never had one, I think. Too bad for me.

    You can buy the Plavac from K&L wines here for $37: http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1031643

  19. October 7, 2008

    Rowland

    yea of course Croatia has good wines, its just across the Adriatic from Italy!

    yo i got a leather box, that my grandpa kept his pipes and tobacco in, what a smell.

    turned your back on the ustream peeps lol

    just hope nothing happens to croatia like happened to georgia!

    QOTD. i dont know what it was called or anything, but i have had commercial and home made wines and vodkas when i was in the Ukraine.

  20. October 7, 2008

    TimInSpokane

    Groovy show! I liked that you seemed to slow down a little and spend a little more time with each wine. Lately it seems like you have been rushing through the shows a little bit. Of course, ya gotta get to the airport to see the Jets game!

    QOTD – never had one, but as a huge zinfandel fan, I really want to find that Plavac. Seek it, stock it, and we will buy it!

  21. October 7, 2008

    hugh

    QOTD: sadly, no!!! but certainly will look to try one!!

  22. October 7, 2008

    T.J. Clark

    QOTD: None, but I totally want to try some.

    Croatian hip-hop is badass, though. THAT I know.

    If you care to give it a whirl:
    http://www.emusic.com/album/Various-Artists-Croatian-Hip-Hop-Vol-1-MP3-Download/11175959.html

  23. October 7, 2008

    Peter

    QOTD: Have never had an Eastern European wine, but was planning on trying one soon since I just bought a Georgian cookbook and have heard good things about the wines from there. Any plans for a show covering those?

  24. October 7, 2008

    JayZee

    Very interesting show and quite a surprising showing from Croatia (at least for me). Once again you have proved that we all must throw away those pre-conceived notions about wine – just taste it!! Awesome!

    QOTD: I was tempted to answer, “None!”, but I did have three Slovenian wines at an international wine tasting event in Cleveland back in May. One of the whites had a nice acidity and I gave it 87 points (cannot recall the varietals involved) and a red blend I also gave 87 points. So they weren’t great, but they showed some promise.

  25. October 7, 2008

    Patt

    Cool to see the GV so excited.
    QOTD: None and at 35 bones, it might be a while yet

  26. October 7, 2008

    DaveyDonut

    QOTD: Hmm… don’t think I’ve had a one. This one sounds interesting! Looks like a few places in California carry it. If I ever see one, I’ll pick it up.

    David

  27. October 7, 2008

    CaseyLee

    dont think i’ve ever had one before. . great episode. that wine sounds interesting. . im glad yhou liked it so much and got excited about it. it makes WLTV what it is. thanks gary looking foward to the next

  28. October 7, 2008

    David Dadekian

    QOTD: None.

  29. October 7, 2008

    Jay

    QOTD: None.

    QOTD for GV and other Vayniacs: If you could have one pack of cards to open, what sport, brand, and year would it be?

  30. October 7, 2008

    gotsha

    QOTD….had a great wine from Transylvania a while back. I think it was called Doktor Frank Stein

  31. October 7, 2008

    Cameron W

    Fun show, really like the exploration of unknown European wines. Also, really like the sports card thing – don’t know why, but it works for me.

    QOTD – Um, I used to drink a really cheap Hungarian Cab called St. Stephen’s Crown. I liked it back in the CKC day, not sure how it would go now.

  32. October 7, 2008

    Orion S.

    Well, I had some Hungarian wine when I was in Budapest, but it was certainly nothing to write home about. Other than that, none. I gotta try some of that last wine, though, if it elicited that big of a response.

  33. October 7, 2008

    Mark

    QOTD: None

    Its good to see Croatia producing good wines. The more good wines in the global market the better.

  34. October 7, 2008

    JudeMurphy

    The closest thing to eastern european I’ve had is Lebanese. Which was very nice if my memory serves me right! Chateau Ksara, it was called.
    Apart from that, no!
    Gary- I find it hilarious how you can open these packets of sports cards and be able to name every player you see! That’s quite a skill! ; )

  35. October 7, 2008

    ante biocic

    thank you Gary that the wines i sent you are on the show,honestly was little bit scared that i am not gonna see it,but soooooooooo happy now.
    and so happy that you liked my friends wine and that you loved plavac mali.
    thank you so much!
    did i mentioned how happy i am to see my wines on the show.
    IN VINO VERITAS
    PS they are not that pricy in Croatia,and there are some more expensive ones!

  36. October 7, 2008

    MastershakeMC

    Great Show! Nice to see Gary so excited.
    QOD I have never had a wine from Eastern Europe, but maybe I should seek some out.

  37. October 7, 2008

    thedumbphase

    Eccola Italian Restaurant in Parsippany, NJ on 46 has Zlatan wines on their list. I have had pretty much all of them. They swear that Plavac is not a descendant of Zinfandel but the original grape. I have never been near 93 pts on their wines but have always thought them interesting…

  38. October 7, 2008

    Terrance Young

    QOTD: A Hungarian Bulkovar (Bull’s Blood) wine that a friend brought to my house party. Maybe it was the other alcohol talking, maybe it was all the friends and the good atmosphere, but I remember it being a solidly delicious wine.

  39. October 7, 2008

    Urbwes

    I haven’t even seen eastern european wines to date. But I don’t live in an area with tons of options and my state doesn’t allow out of state wine shipping :(

  40. October 7, 2008

    Omallley

    Excellent show. I love it when there’s a surprise in the house.

    QOTD: My exposure to Eastern European wines has been limited – but I have had an *excellent* Hungarian Pinot Gris from Dunavar – one of the very few sub $10 wines that you can pick up in BC that are that well made and tasty.

    Realistically though, the best wine would be a Tokaji-Aszú (Chateau Dereszla perhaps?). I don’t recall the vintage, but the wine was out-of-this-world fantastic.

  41. October 7, 2008

    RANDI

    GARY!!
    QOTD: Was in Yugoslavia as a teenager…and got ridiculously drunk in a barn w/friends on wine…couldnt tell you what it was..but I remember I liked it!!
    :)

  42. October 7, 2008

    BWicked

    Gary,
    Nice show.
    I do not recall ever drinking a Croatian wine,
    but I have had many Tokaji’s and they were all delicious.

  43. October 7, 2008

    Deano

    Gary Great episode I remember you Loving this when I was on the ustream.

    QOTD:
    -None = FAIL :(

  44. October 7, 2008

    Danny C

    Gary –

    I love the energy!

    QOTD: Unfortunately, I have not have any wines from Eastern Europe! I will be on the look out!

  45. October 7, 2008

    manonthemoon

    Man I was wanting another Chianti episode so that I could tell you to get that #@$% out of here and wip out the “Waving finger” from Mutombo. Probably my favorite defender of all time.

    QOTD: I would have to say a Tokaji from hungry, always a great way to end a dinner.

  46. October 7, 2008

    Kevin K

    QOTD: none.

  47. October 7, 2008

    purplejuicebruce

    Waymon Tissdale may not have been the best b-baller but he plays a pretty mean bass in the jazz world.
    QOTD …none

  48. October 7, 2008

    DrEdwardo

    QOTD: none (yet)

  49. October 7, 2008

    Tom D

    Hey Gary et al

    Great show as usual – I like when you do something a little off the beaten path and when you have an audience or a guest.

    QOTD : Haven’t had any Eastern European wines, but I’ll be seeking them out after seeing this show ! Thanks for the enlightenment.

  50. October 7, 2008

    Mark S

    QOTD – None. However, this episode has peaked my interest.

  51. October 7, 2008

    Roberto

    QOTD: Never had Eastern European wine…. let us know once you get that red one, sounds very interesting!!!!

  52. October 7, 2008

    Withnail

    Did we just see a wine that will be in the next edition of Gary V’s “101 Wines”?
    QOTD: My roommate and I found this super-inexpensive 1984 Romanian Pinot Noir in the early ’90s and went through a case or two of it.

  53. October 7, 2008

    M

    QOTD: None from Croatia

    Is Austria considered Eastern Europe? I had a few good Gruner Veltliners this summer.

  54. October 7, 2008

    CaseyLee

    i watched this episode again. i like the chalk board you have going on in every episode. i tried to get king fu girl over here in houston by my place. the two wine sellers here dont carry it anymore, but its one i really want to try. so im going to continue my search. that was a great episode too. for me, that was the best guest. and Mahi ive been lookin’ for too but couldnt find that one. ive never had a white wine still. . still . haha. had lots of reds though .

  55. October 7, 2008

    KVolk

    Qotd: None………………yet…………………..

  56. October 7, 2008

    Tom Langan

    I luv it when u go crazy over a wine GV. I hope Ian can get that Zin and let us know when we can order it. Hope to see you this Saturday.

    QOTD: I forget what it was. But I do drink wine. ;-D

  57. October 7, 2008

    jason carey

    Hey Ridge Geyserville is 30 dollars. so why not 35 for a super high quality Croatian wine.. probably made frm very low yieldss..ect.. flying winemaker?

    My Favorite Eastern European wines are Tokaji, both dry and sweet, but also some excellent Slovenian wines.. is greece considered eastern europe .. or med..?

  58. October 7, 2008

    A. Kohli

    QOTD: None

  59. October 7, 2008

    theemptyglass

    QOTD: Yes yes and yes!!! (I know it wasn’t a yes-no question) My fav was a Plavac (but they said from the island of Brac). This croatian wine rocked my world just like this one did yours (although I had no idea what the price was). I sent you a picture of the label. (sorry I didn’t get the back). Anyways, thank you SOOOO much for doing a Croatia show!! I knew it’d be worth it! (going to buy book and schwag like i promised now.) =)

  60. October 7, 2008

    Robin C

    QOTD: Croatia – Who knew?
    Congratulations Jets!

  61. October 7, 2008

    Mike Nally

    Haven’t seen you that pumped over a wine in weeks. Great show! Ostrich? Awesome.

    QOTD: None but inspired to change that soon.

    P.S. Great getting a chance to meet you last weekend! Thanks again for coming out.

  62. October 7, 2008

    sam

    QOTD: I’ve had a Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon a while back. I remember it being a little light, probably not as thunderous as the Plavac.

    Good to hear about other areas in the world, other than the obvious, bringing the thunder.

    Awesome!

  63. October 7, 2008

    Derek F.

    QOTD: None, but I am going to seek out that 2004 Zlatan Otok Plavac, need to get a few bottles!!! THANKS

  64. October 7, 2008

    Jay

    Best east bloc wine? Man, it has been years! How many years, you ask? Let’s put it this way, I paid less than $20 for a case of Ceausescu era Romanian red. I can’t recall the name but I do recall that it was HARSH. Hey, I was a grad student. Of course, most of us have dabbled in a bottle of Hungarian Bull’s Blood but…..

  65. October 7, 2008

    Frank Dietrich

    Gary,

    Nice to see you discovering the beauty of Croatian wines. Zlatan is one of the top wine makers, try also the Plavac from the premier cru vineyard Dingac across the sea of the Island of Hvar. Croatia also has excellent Malvasia from Kozlovic and Grasevina made by Enjingi.

    How do I know? We happen to carry these and other fine wines from Eastern Europe. Check us out: Blue Danube Wine Company.

  66. October 7, 2008

    debnj

    I’ve never had one, but thanks for introducing us to the Croatian wines. I’ll be on the lookout for them.

  67. October 7, 2008

    Doug

    Really fun episode to watch — awesome to see you get excited, bring a bit of a smile to the face.

    QotD: None.

  68. October 7, 2008

    Rick D

    QOTD: never had one. Looks like I need to try some. ya know….expand the palate.

  69. October 7, 2008

    EricB

    QOTD: none, unless you count Greece, in which case it would be Boutari Moschofilero, hands down

  70. October 7, 2008

    roksoc

    QOTD: None
    But next time I’m at a wine shop i’ll see what they have, I’m always down for something different.

  71. October 7, 2008

    EricB

    ah yes, Bull’s Blood from Hungary. That was decent, with a beef stew.

  72. October 7, 2008

    mark b

    QOTD: none

  73. October 7, 2008

    jason

    i am kinda happy for everyone on this one. usually these kinda shows fall flat. it looks though that you found a diamond in the rough. the moments i guess we are happy to find when searching out new things
    qotd – i haven’t had that many, so none really

  74. October 7, 2008

    Ryan D

    QotD: None!!

  75. October 7, 2008

    Knick

    QOTD: None… but maybe soon.

    Wow, looks like that last one really brought the thunder! I might have to try and find an E Europe wine.

  76. October 7, 2008

    Mike Cox

    Croatian wine…who knew?!?! Could be a fun place to travel to though.

    QOTD: None

  77. October 7, 2008

    Little Jonny H

    There are many formats for the show that I like, but the exploratory shows are fantastic. The fact that you can ‘blindly’ choose some wines from an inobscure wine country, and pull out great/solid wines is simply incredible!

    QOTD: A dry Tokaji from Hungary (maybe not technically E. Europe, but in my book they’re next door neighbors)

  78. October 7, 2008

    Tony

    QOTD: None…nope…nada.

  79. October 7, 2008

    Susan

    QOTD: None, Nada, Zero is my Hero!!! Never had wines from Eastern Europe but that won’t stop me from trying one just asap………………… :)

  80. October 7, 2008

    Dominus

    “I’ll have what (s)he’s having” — When Harry Met Sally

    That’s what I was thinking while watching this episode. Now, how do we get that wine?

    QOTD: Eastern Europe? Does Israel count? If so, I’d go with the Segal Cab you reviewed awhile back. I love that stuff.

    Great show, as always.

    Cheers!
    Goran Ivanisevic

  81. October 7, 2008

    Luthor

    QotD: I hung out with a Croatian guy in high school and drank some of his Dad’s wine once…but I’ll be damned if I remember anything about it!

  82. October 7, 2008

    max

    I’m here to say none.

  83. October 7, 2008

    James H.

    QOTD- None yet. I’ll have to try some soon.

  84. October 7, 2008

    Kenny Dion

    one of the best shows i’ve seen in a while, good to see you that happy GV

  85. October 7, 2008

    E dog

    QOTD: never had an Eastern European wine.

  86. October 7, 2008

    Aimee

    I have really enjoyed Bibich Grenache 2004, I’m all over Croatia like a cheap suit. Some great wines coming out of there.

  87. October 7, 2008

    CC_HTown

    QOTD: Haven’t really had any eastern europe wine yet. Will be on the look out for your 3rd wine though.

  88. October 7, 2008

    Kenny Dion

    QOTD: Never had a Eastern European Wine. Need to get some.

  89. October 7, 2008

    Jlair

    Great Show!

    QOTD: I cant remember names of wine I have had from over there….was b4 I started caring about what I drank.

    yo, GV. I was promised a swag pak and have not recieved it yet. This was from well over a month ago prolly close to 2 months ago. Just see’n if it is coming. The wife says she wants a sniffy sniff wrist band.

    take care man!!

  90. October 7, 2008

    Andy

    QOTD: none… yet

  91. October 7, 2008

    Scott

    Are you just switching things up or is this permanent? This is the second episode in a row that you dropped the “whether they like it or not.”
    QOTD: I’ve had some great Austrian wines, can’t remember their names.

  92. October 7, 2008

    sam

    QOTD: None.

  93. October 7, 2008

    Chaz

    QOTD: I haven’t yet been able to try any wines from eastern Europe, but after this show I will be seeking them out.

    BTW been watching your show for over a year and I have to say it is by far the most entertaining show that I watch on the internet. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

  94. October 7, 2008

    Tom

    My favorite quote from this episode — “I’m not happy having this much wood in my mouth”. Somewhere Beavis and Butthead are going huh-huh-huh.

  95. October 7, 2008

    Miquel

    Heh heh. Funny thing is Gary, it was my first Croatian wine that I had on my first visit to the region. It pushed my wife and I to write the first wine book about the Dalmatian (as well as Herzegovian) wine region. We’re just trying to find the right publisher for the project now as there are a good number of wine makers at or above the level of that Zlatan Plavac you had. If you an even more mind-blowing experience, try the Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru. Amazing stuff.

    -miquel
    http://www.vinologue.net

    PS – I hate to point this out, but it’s actually ‘plavats’, not ‘plavac’. Otherwise, good job with the Croatian words. They’re not easy to say.

  96. October 7, 2008

    dalmation

    [QOTD] Does Hungary count? I remember having a wine that, translated, was called Bull’s Blood. It was pretty robust, but not very refined.

  97. October 7, 2008

    jfletch

    Never had an Eastern European wine. Im looking forward to now, thats for sure.

  98. October 7, 2008

    Hide

    QOTD: None… sadly… Nice EP though Gary!

  99. October 7, 2008

    Jimmy T

    QOTD: None

    Halarious show with the “double move”. We loved it! My wife spent a year in Croatia. Beautiful place.

  100. October 7, 2008

    hban

    I’ve tried both Mihalj Grasevina and Plavac Zlatni. Both highly recommended.

  101. October 7, 2008

    Doug

    Gary…Why so down on the 90’s Bulls? Give us a break in Chicago, it was the only team that did anything here in the 90’s. Great show. QOTD: None, but after this show, I plan on trying some.

  102. October 7, 2008

    amgryger

    QOTD: Tokaji, and I think I had a Pinot from Romania.

  103. October 7, 2008

    Tony

    None

    Wow! Great show. Croatian, who’d a thunk it?

  104. October 7, 2008

    WineWoman

    QOTD: Used to buy some Hungarian reds for my boss, who enjoyed sweet red wines, but I didn’t have any for myself, so no, I don’t have a favorite wine from Eastern Europe.

  105. October 7, 2008

    Matt182

    Really nice episode, so suprised of the last two wines. Definitly try to grab one of those.

    QOTD: Only had Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos Blue Label 2000 but what a nice bottle of sweet and complex wine.

  106. October 7, 2008

    ChrisV

    QOTD: I was in Croatia earlier this year, including on Hvar. I tried two Plavac, both at a similar price point to the one you tried, but both times was very underwhelmed. Found them bitter and harsh. While in the region I also tried a Vranac from Montenegro and a Bosnian Chardonnay, both of which I enjoyed.

  107. October 7, 2008

    RobAtSGH

    QOTD – a Mandolas 2004 Tokaji Furmint Dry. Very Alsatian-like, floral and honey. I need to find this stuff somewhere local.

  108. October 7, 2008

    brent

    QOTD: Have a bottle of Tomic Plavac in my collection… I’m even more pumped to try it now!

  109. October 7, 2008

    Drew

    What a great surprise…I think I’ll go find this.

    QOTD: None…yet.

  110. October 7, 2008

    Brian

    QOTD I am assuming Greek wines count so probably a few weeks ago

    Sounds like a great wine I will have to see if it is anywhere near me. Great episode

  111. October 7, 2008

    Chris in Tulsa

    QOTD: I love the Hungarian wine from the secret pack. Such a bannana aroma to it.

  112. October 7, 2008

    drift

    None, I would like to try. 35 bone for a 93pt type zin is worth the price of admission.

  113. October 7, 2008

    Mark

    Thanks for the show! I’m a noob on twitter and wanted to make sure this message got to you. I’ll definitely be seeking out one of these wines for my Croatian family this holiday season.

    QOTD: One of these will hopefully be my first.

  114. October 7, 2008

    John

    never had an Eastern European wine, but very interested.

  115. October 7, 2008

    DanM

    No Eastern European wines that I can remember here…

    But sounds like I should head out and find one.

  116. October 7, 2008

    leslie Cserepy

    none. not old enough to drink yet. I do like the sound of the last wine though….I’ll have to remember it in a few years.

  117. October 7, 2008

    John Watson

    I don’t think that I have ever had an eastern european wine, I am sorry to say. Sounds like you found a good one!

  118. October 8, 2008

    Daniel Kemp 4 Earth Emperor

    I have had no wine from Eastern Europe.

  119. October 8, 2008

    Mike Z in SD

    I tried a sweet white wine from Romania once about 8-9 years ago. It was vintage 1964! It was really good. Tasted like golden raisins mainly.

    If you wanna get geeky, technically Zinfandel is an eastern European wine varietal… OK, nevermind.

  120. October 8, 2008

    Jeff from Kelowna Canada

    Dunavar Pinot Gris from Hungary…
    For $9.99CDN it carries the Thunder!!!

    Hey Gary next fall you should come check out our festival wine tasting…160 local wines rep’d by 35 wineries!!!

  121. October 8, 2008

    Geoff

    Never had an eastern European wine before. But you’ve inspired me to do so!
    Cheers!

  122. October 8, 2008

    Scott - Boston

    My brother-in-law is Polish. I’ve had some Polish wine. Not great at all, but since he’s a great guy I’ve always enjoyed drinking them with him.

    btw, I’m happy for you with your reaction to the last wine here. sounds like it would’ve made your book if you’d found it earlier.

    Scott – Boston

  123. October 8, 2008

    dz

    Gary, my father spent the first 16 yrs. of his life on the beautiful,unspoiled island of Hvar and my mother’s parents were from the nearby island of Vis so it’s nice to hear your excitement for this wine!

  124. October 8, 2008

    NickJW

    QOTD: I’ve never had an eastern European wine, but now I can’t wait to try one.

  125. October 8, 2008

    Blake

    QOTD: Makedonikos Tsantali from Macedonia.

    By the way Gary, any plans for Chinese wines on the Thunder Show?

  126. October 8, 2008

    jsrassat

    Egri Bikavér is the only one I’ve ever tasted. I enjoyed and, and now I’m really looking to seek some out.

  127. October 8, 2008

    aaronb

    QOTD: The only eastern European wine I’ve had was a Tokaji Aszú (I think it was 5 puttonyos) a few years back. It tasted fine, but was a bit too perfumy for me.

  128. October 8, 2008

    Augustus

    I have not had many Eastern European wines. But I’ve had a few, here and there. The best, and this is kind of sad, but true – was a Rose from Bulgaria – called No Man’s Land. I got it for four bucks at Trader Joe’s. Pretty decent fruit with nice acid and not too hot. It was good porch wine. I’d like to seek out others, though. I’m always in search of bargains.

  129. October 8, 2008

    Hido53

    Gary -

    QOTD: Can’t recollect having many in the past. I do have a Tokaji Furmint (from the WineLib) that I’ll be tasting with friends, hopefully soon.
    Very good show! Nice detailed tasting observation and even a “Us guys like melons” comment, with a straight face even!

  130. October 8, 2008

    Paul V

    QOTD: Other than Vodka (which in itself I’m not all that familiar with) I’m not at all versed with Eastern Europe. I shall seek out and document such.

    Great show, you always learn something every day

  131. October 8, 2008

    OSCAR FALCON LARA

    QOTD: the only eastern European wine I’ve had is a Tokai, and it was delicious. I’ve seen Czech wine at the local wine merchant and have had yearning to buy it and try it out but so far haven’t had any other wine from the region.

    Will look for the Zlatan Otok though…

  132. October 8, 2008

    medo

    Argh – the first time I’ve had to say : none!

    I need to change this!

  133. October 8, 2008

    ante-vegas

    thank you Gary again,would love to give you some more croatian wines in future if you want,just let me know!
    i knew it that will bring some thunder!

  134. October 8, 2008

    Zinfreak

    I’m definitely interested in giving that last wine a try!

    Thanks Gary for expanding our minds!

  135. October 8, 2008

    Fred Liu

    QOTD?it is time to say “none” to support this NICE discovery.:)

    YEah, like it!

  136. October 8, 2008

    Brian Russ

    Wayman Tisdale may not have been that good of a basketball player, but he turned out to be a pretty damn good Jazz bassist. You should listen to some of his stuff off the album Hang Time, really good stuff. I have it in my car right now.

  137. October 8, 2008

    A. Panda

    Great show Gary. Love the shows with wines from countries other than the norms.

    QOTD: None yet

  138. October 8, 2008

    Zane

    If greece is not in eastern europe, how can croatia be??
    I understand that you compare continental croatia to hungary… but Hvar, man, is in the heart of mediterranean…

  139. October 8, 2008

    Lana, Nino, Luka

    Hi from Croatia!
    Thanks for the great show! We were totally taken off guard (both excited and scared) seeing croatian wines put to sniffy-sniff & whirl action. All the more since the two whites are quite anonymous even in croatian terms.
    Hope you’ll continue to explore our wine scene!

  140. October 8, 2008

    Darko

    Finally GV, after a year watching WLT, which changed my wineworld, you got me leave a comment.
    I had a bottle Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru 2004, unfortunately I had it too early, it was a bit harsh, but I kept another and will open it probably this year. The white wines of enjingi.hr are outstanding, especially the cuvée. Great show!

  141. October 8, 2008

    Justin L. Ove

    QOTD: haven’t had any Croatian wines, but your description reminded me of a Fatalone Reserve Primitivo I had recently. Awesome stuff.

  142. October 8, 2008

    Giuliano

    Croatia is not eastern european. Being born there I had great wine, you was seling Skaramuca Dingac Croatian Red at one time. It would be great if you could cary some of the wines so that I dont have to go to Astoria or in NYC to get some of those Istria and Island wines.

  143. October 8, 2008

    BobZ

    None, but will try the Plavac Mali if you get it in.

  144. October 8, 2008

    Scott

    QOTD: No eastern European wines for me, yet. Another killer show Gary.

  145. October 8, 2008

    robnmo

    Tokai, is the only Eastern European wine I can think of, that I have had.

  146. October 8, 2008

    italianwinelover

    QOTD: Nope never had one but really want to seek this one Plavac out.

    Love to see you so excited about a wine! Thanks for a great show! Cowgirl cheese was featured in Wine Spectator – you are ahead of your times!!

  147. October 8, 2008

    Matus

    Drinking mainly east european wines – as I’m from Slovakia :-) We have a couple of great whites and reds… BTW, Tokaj is also a slovak trademark (not just hungarian)

  148. October 8, 2008

    hasbeen

    QOTD: None. Actually, we had dinner the other night with friends who visited there recently. We were discussing wines from that region. The consensus was, “there is no good wine there.” Glad to hear that is changing.

  149. October 8, 2008

    Mark Fitzpatrick

    Never had a Croatian wine…Now it’s on the radar, and one I will check off.

    Mark

  150. October 8, 2008

    hasbeen

    When I said none, I was thnking of dry wines, I have had some Tokais.

  151. October 8, 2008

    walkieboy

    Had my first Plavac Mali 2 years ago at the restaurant CoccoLa in Hillsboro, NJ (right on 206). Drank it w/ Pork “Osso Buco”, been raving about it ever since.

    GO COWBOYS

  152. October 8, 2008

    Derek

    QOTD: None.

    (I just ordered some of the Plavac Mali online though.)

  153. October 8, 2008

    PhilB

    Wow!

    I’ll be looking for that one!!

    BTW, Gary, you need to stand up for the Canadian Contingency and do hockey cards next time!

    QOTD: Tokaj from hungary, both sweet and dry… Dry Furmint is really up there quality wise!!

    All the best from Paris,

  154. October 8, 2008

    Ryan

    Never tried any Eastern European wines, I’m trying to get my friends to try more things but it’s tough going.

    At least this time it’s not only us Quebecers that can’t get the wine :)

  155. October 8, 2008

    rikta

    HEY GARY ,WHAT A SURPRISE WHO COULD’VE THOUGHT ,I’VE TRIED ONE EASTERN EUROPEAN WINE BEFORE IT’S CALLED MAVROUT …NOT SURE ABOUT THE SPELLING LOL
    AND IT’S FROM BULGARIA ,NOTHING CRAZY THOUGH VERY BASIC ,WAY TOO SWEET AT LEAST FOR ME IT WAS ,BUT MY GIRLFRIND AT THE TIME LIKED IT,IT DID NOT BRING THE THUNDER FOR ME THAT’S FOR SURE ,IT WAS VERY SEMILAR TO A FAKE CALIFORNIAN PINOT NOIR .

  156. October 8, 2008

    Murso

    Forebearer, genetic parent, or ancestral grape would be the correct relation to Zinfandel of Pavac Mali, rather than the opposite, and incorrectly used term “descendant”. Napa Valley legend and Croatian native Mike Grgich brought attention to this relation, and has been making wine in Croatia since at least the mid nineties.

  157. October 8, 2008

    IPBrian

    QOTD: UGH…none. There I said it.

  158. October 8, 2008

    Garry M.

    Thanks for the great info.
    Answer to the question would be… none… yet.

  159. October 8, 2008

    Jeremiah

    QOTD: Currently I have had None.

  160. October 8, 2008

    Miquel

    Actually, Murso, Gary is correct in that it is the child of Zinfandel. Crljenak Kaštelenski (otherwise known as Zinfandel or Primitivo) was crossbred with Dobri?i? to create Plavac Mali, thus making it the child of Zinfandel. For anyone who wants to try it, you can buy it from this importer: http://www.bluedanubewine.com

    -miquel
    Vinologue (the yet to be released book about the wines of this region)

  161. October 8, 2008

    Lena

    Since I am from Slovenia which is a neghbouring country to Croatia my answer would be quite a few. :) Never tryed Plavac though, but I will in the future, due to this show I guess.

    I think you should also try some of the Slovenian wines, my personal opininon is that they are WAY better than Croatian, hehe (this is only my personal opinion). :)

    A note about Tokaj to a guy from Slovakia and those who might be interested: Tokaj used to be produced all over the Eastern Europe but Hungarians made Tokaj a Hungarian trade mark a few years ago therefore other wine makers all over the Eastern Europe who used to make Tokaj are not allowed to call their wines Tokaj any more, instead they get to call them sauvignonasse / sauvignone vert.This decision was especially brutal for Slovenian wine makers since we’re also a neighbouring country to Hungary. Nowadays there is still a lot of controversy present in Eastern Europe wheather Tokaj is really a Hungarian wine or not.

  162. October 8, 2008

    Scottie P

    Great show! Nice to see a killer wine rock the house! I like hearing about wines from all over the world. Keep up the great work Gary!
    QOTD: None. Haven’t had any wines from Eastern Europe that I know of. I will keep an eye out for them now…

  163. October 8, 2008

    Tim

    QOTD: None. I haven’t had any European wines.

    I’m sort of doing that blind pick at the grocery store purchase. They actually have a large selection of wines where I shop. So far I haven’t found anything that I love.

  164. October 8, 2008

    Chris Hansen

    Ants in your Plavac pants Gary.

    QOTD: None, but am willing to try.

  165. October 8, 2008

    Vas

    Had a Saperavi from Georgia that was pretty good.

  166. October 8, 2008

    DanLomanto

    QOTD: None :/

    I liked the seating change though. Slick move.

  167. October 8, 2008

    ChiroGuyDC

    Great show as usual GARY, QOTD: None…BOOOOOO!!!

  168. October 8, 2008

    Jayhitek

    QOTD: NONE!

  169. October 8, 2008

    Jeff R

    QOTD: Nothing that i can remember.

  170. October 8, 2008

    Jason Snowden

    QOTD: None yet, but I will do everything in my power to find this amazing wine!

  171. October 8, 2008

    Paryb

    Great show GV.

    QOTD: Never had a Croatian wine…but I’m going to look for one now!

  172. October 8, 2008

    Kelly Goff

    Wow! REALLY cool! I love when this stuff happens. QOTD: none yet but I will try to find this for Turkey day as well.

  173. October 8, 2008

    Jered

    I have to admit that I have never had any eastern european wines, not even 1. I live in the middle of nowhere but the next time I hit Jet City it is gonna be on like donkey kong.

  174. October 8, 2008

    Lawrence Leichtman

    I have had many Eastern European wines but none that were good. Maybe the Otok Plavik if if it can be found.

  175. October 8, 2008

    Murso

    Depending upon exactly where you include Eastern Europe to be defined by (see Wikipedia for interesting geographic, etc. delineations), there have been dramatic, and much needed improvements in many nations, with most switching over to widely recognized international (vinifera) varietals. This will add important commercial appeal to their industries, and in fact, there has already been going on, since the fall of the former Soviet bloc, a mad dash for land and investment ,with some major input from Wine nations such as France, Napa, and Australia, and even consular participation of flying winemakers, as noted by an earlier post. It’s been easy to get cheap Pinot noir, Merlot, P.G., and Sauv Bl. for awhile, but now they’re getting a little better in quality. The local varietals and techniques of production, historically could not yield wines of a quality much more than quaint or pleasant at best, and by the time you could find them in America, they’d be toast in a bottle. Thank goodness that’s changing, but most of what you find, from the Balkans and East, will remain in that “acceptable, pleasant, not expensive” range. The wines of WAY East (Georgian Kidzmarauli, Kvanchkara – stuff like that) – will remain sweet and repulise to our tastes for the forseeable future.

  176. October 8, 2008

    Murso

    Repulsive. Sorry.

  177. October 8, 2008

    Capt M

    Very fine and interesting episode. QOTD: None, but I have in my cellar Mavrud, from Bulgaria. Is that wine any good?

  178. October 8, 2008

    Murso

    I HAVE enjoyed some dessert style wines of Moldova made from grapes such as Lydia, Isabella, and even cabernet.

  179. October 8, 2008

    thkorent

    QOTD: It was Croatian, as a matter of fact: a Dingac (I believe Zinfandel as well) red from a few vintages ago. Had it at a Croation restaurant in Zara, Croatia and I can tell you it rivals many well known “Western” wines.

  180. October 8, 2008

    Shawn_944

    Awesome Show, watch on Ustream as well! ROcked it Out Gary!

    QOTD…. none

  181. October 8, 2008

    Dr. Dave

    Alas, none

  182. October 8, 2008

    HuskerJamie

    Wow, Croatian wines, I had no idea. QOTD: Never had one.

  183. October 8, 2008

    blon

    been to croatia a few times! stunningly gorgeous country. the reds are just as massive as the scenery!

    you’ve got to check it out!

  184. October 8, 2008

    CRAIG GERNANDT

    I don’t know how, but I left my comment for this episode on #554. Damn. Anyway, great episode. And the best Eastern European wine I ever had was a recommendation from WLTV, the 2000 Chateau Henye Tojaki Aszueszencia(tough to type correctly with a buzz). Anyway, had it with my in-laws. The stuff rocked.

  185. October 8, 2008

    Missel

    best i’ve ever had was from the alazanis valley in the republic of georgia. it was a 2003 red table wine (saperavi grapes). tons of fruit, very soft. honey, light oak. similar to your description of the croatian red.

    i found it being currently imported by dozortsev and sons in brooklyn, they even sell them in old-timey clay bottles

  186. October 8, 2008

    brorjace

    Well, I’ve had a couple, Bibich Reserva was a blend of Plavic relatives. I’ve also had the Movia blanc, 95, i think, which one a giant lemon bomb, interesting, but didn’t kill it.

  187. October 8, 2008

    Nicholas Lazarus

    QOTD: None.

    I knew right from the face that the last wine was going to get a high score.

  188. October 9, 2008

    Elliot K

    Wow. My girlfriend and I are headed to Croatia in January, and will be staying in Hvar. PUMPED!

    – Elliot (The Original CKC Representative)

  189. October 9, 2008

    Phil G

    QOTD – have tried a few from my brother-in-law, who is from Belgrade, but my favorite was a Hungarian red that I had with dinner in Budapest.

  190. October 9, 2008

    John Hanna

    None

  191. October 9, 2008

    pete

    none. Using The Google right now to correct that.

  192. October 9, 2008

    JR Moreau

    I’ve had some okay Moravian wines from the Czech Republic.

    I’m gonna try to find this shiz. For real!

  193. October 9, 2008

    Skip

    My wife is from Croatia and have been there many times myself and tasted many of their wines. To be honest, some of the BEST wines I have ever had have been their wines… I am not kidding! My only complaint is the availability of it here in the US.

  194. October 9, 2008

    Alf Mendolson

    If you like the Zlatan, then you have to try Bura. Another Plavac Mali in the $60 range, absolutely amazing

  195. October 9, 2008

    JHo

    Triumph, a serbian white blend of SB, Dijon-clone Chard and Welchriesling.
    Nice acid, bright fruit and clean. Around 10 bones.

  196. October 9, 2008

    wayno da wino

    Yo G, me head is still spinning, tryin’ to follow Ya around that table…
    Croatian Vino, who woulda thunk it…….

    QOTD: zero…zilch…zip…nada…..

  197. October 9, 2008

    Richard

    QOTD: None that I can remember either – perhaps a Greek white when I was younger but I struggle. After this episode I will definately be seeking some out.

    Cheers,

    Richard aka Scotscan

  198. October 9, 2008

    pawncop

    Great episode, will try to find this wine. Do not know how much luck I will have but will try.

    QOTD – None

  199. October 9, 2008

    Matthew Hale

    QOTD: Can’t remember having any Eastern European wine but I think I’ll find out if my local wine stores have any Croatian wine.

  200. October 9, 2008

    Von P

    QOTD: Never had an eastern european wine however after this episode I want to go to Disney and have some ostrich!!!

  201. October 9, 2008

    Marz

    QOTD: None

  202. October 9, 2008

    Marz

    Also, that restaurant I believe you mentioned was at the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Great place. Been there a couple times back when I worked for them at ESPN Zone. Had a couple retail conferences there.

  203. October 9, 2008

    Tim Wiseman

    WOW. I really hope you have Ian working hard to find that wine, I am calling around to see if anyone around here can get it… but I am feeling doubtful. Who knew?! I am on the hunt for Eastern European wines for sure.

    QOTD: Never.

  204. October 9, 2008

    Rick O'Shea

    I’ve never had a Croatian wine and I doubt I’ll find one around here. Oh well.

  205. October 9, 2008

    catalina

    hi, i’m from croatia,and i must say… you guys should definitivly try croatian wines!! someone stole our idea!! we wanted to send you a few bottles gary, of original croatian wines, still, happy that you got them even from someone else. Enjoy theeem. love from Mijo and Martina!!!

  206. October 9, 2008

    Andy and Edie Hanson

    Never had an Eastern European wine, but glad to see you found such a winner. Great show!

  207. October 9, 2008

    Jacob T

    I am really impressed by the show, the only Eastern European wines I had were from Ukraine and they were decent, I wish I could just remember what they were! At that time I was not really concerned with the brand or style, we were on spring break in Italy/Greece! Anyone have suggestions for Ukrainian wine let me know…the reds I drank three years ago were great!
    Have a Terrific Day!
    Jake

    “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
    ~Edmund Burke

  208. October 9, 2008

    Scott the ex wine dude

    I think it was Egri Bikaver, also known as Bull’s Blood. (Hungary?)
    Not all that good

  209. October 9, 2008

    Rob

    QOTD: none ;)

  210. October 9, 2008

    vinophilo

    tokjai (sp?) can’t spell it but i can drink it. cheers

  211. October 9, 2008

    Randy Smith

    QOTD: I’ve never had a Croatian wine. Would love to try one. How about hooking all us Vayniacs up?

  212. October 10, 2008

    apj_bobswineguy

    Eddie Jones! I do believe he is still playing…for the Mavericks. A wine lover. Orders big-time Pinots and seems fairly knowledgeable about them. Beaux Freres, etc.

  213. October 10, 2008

    apj_bobswineguy

    My father sent me a btl of Plantaze Vranac…the Reserve, no less (never heard of it). It is from Montenegro, south of Croatia. Had to check the Wine Atlas to find the place. You know, Mike (Miljenko) Grgich is from this part of the world. He made the famous Cht Montelena Chardonnay – winner of the famous 1976 Paris Tasting. Although he was never mentioned in the current movie, Bottle Shock.

  214. October 10, 2008

    argus

    i was jumping from joy when you announced a croatian wine episode since i live there :) i was also a bit worried you’d get only continental wines, a problem which you adressed: quantity not quality, you really have to dig to find fine Graševina

    i was completely blown away by your reaction to the Plavac wine, i knew its top quality (never drank it cause its pricey) but i didn’t expect you’d flip out on it :P

    unfotunately you got a bad Malvazija since the bottles i drank were quite fine and not at all as the one you had. to be honest i’m starting to kinda dig it more than the red wines

    here’s hoping for another croatian episode

    QOTD best EE wine i ever had would be Dinga? (also from the Plavac grape which is actually a cross between Zinfandel and an autonomous sort called Dobri?i?)

  215. October 10, 2008

    RichE

    QOTD:
    NONE, NOTTA,…… GV, way to bring the passion.

  216. October 10, 2008

    Emily & James H.

    As addressed before, Eastern European wines are hard to get around here outside of Greek and Tokaji. Unfortunately, our small pocket immigrant communities just don’t get enough demand to get the distributors’ attention. QOTD: Best ever was a Tokaji, but as far as regular non-dessert, I had an interesting and surprisingly complex Zilavka from Hercegovina. A nice little white wine that evolved considerably in the glass. Georgian wines are examples that are probably more readily available because of their interesting ceramic bottles.

  217. October 10, 2008

    jonkee

    I tryed Mihalj and Plavac and both are great and Mihalj-grasevina price/quality is great!

  218. October 10, 2008

    Dan & Erin Lacher

    QOTD: No Croatian wines.

  219. October 11, 2008

    Andrew D

    Fascinating show thanks.

    QOTD: none … sorry

    Andrew

  220. October 11, 2008

    Jernej

    We will try to send you some slovenian vines if possibile! Soon! You’ll see the devil than!!

  221. October 11, 2008

    BargePlus

    Finding that Plavac is just one reason the journey is so wothwhile.

  222. October 12, 2008

    Jim in Atlanta

    QOTD – I have had some good wines when in Hungary and The Czech Republic. I can’t remember what they were, but there were a number of different grapes and styles.

  223. October 12, 2008

    Drew M.

    QOTD…I can now say I’ve had the Zlatan Plavac Mali that you tried on the show. I found a few bottles here in SoCal. Seriously good…worth the search.

  224. October 12, 2008

    drew ross

    QOTD: none

    But with all of the Greek wines out there, and with GVs enthusiasm for them, I’m going to have to seek some out. Gotta try new flavors – just gotta.

  225. October 12, 2008

    Kezza

    No eastern European wines for me yet! I’ll keep an eye out for that last one though!

  226. October 13, 2008

    ShawnDK

    I’m so excited right now! I gotta get me some of that! Although… how!? I’ll figure it out.

    QOTD: None

  227. October 13, 2008

    MannyPants

    QOTD: None. GV – where the heck can we find this croation wine, I certainly don’t see any at the local market?

  228. October 13, 2008

    pirano

    Nicely done, I was just in Istra a few days ago. There are some great wines in the area. One thing though: You mention that Istra is close to the Italian border. As the crow flies, that’s true. But there is a small country, with lots of good wine of its own, squeezed in between the two. :)
    Cheers!

  229. October 13, 2008

    Dan-o

    GV – pretty cool show. Never had an Eastern European wine. I have heard good things about Hungarian Tokai, but have not had that wine either.

  230. October 14, 2008

    Maggie J

    I must find some Croatian wine!

    And you must try some Moldovan wine! I bring this up again…there is a lot of demi-dulce grape juice around, but we had some great stuff, both Milestii Mici and Cricova…unfortunately we could not get anyone to ship to the states or we would have sent you one. Not sure why shipping to the states was so difficult.

  231. October 15, 2008

    Chrisfs

    Had a Croatian wine, but it was not very good. Glad there are much better ones out there.

  232. October 18, 2008

    TimCub

    QOTD: I spent six months in Bulgaria teaching English for six months in 1996 and had a few interesting Bulgarian wines while I was there. I found some Bulgarian wines later while visiting a liquor store in Great Britain a couple years later, but unfortunately I can’t remember much about them other than that they were really, really cheap, especially then, and kinda tasty for my 23 year old palate.

  233. October 19, 2008

    Kristen

    “Smells like a zebra.” Classic- I could definitely see you running up to a zebra just to smell it! And ostrich is fabulous!So is pheasant. Yum.

    QOTD: Do you consider Greece to be Eastern Europe or is that more Mediterranean? If yes, then I’ve had several Greek wines (Macedonikos is great) and a Hungarian white- Olivier.

  234. October 21, 2008

    YoungDave

    QOTD: WHOA- weird that my favorite Eastern European wine was also a Dijnac Plavac Mali from Croatia, and although it wasn’t as much of a game-changer as this one, it was VERY affordable at 12 bones and I was quite pleased with what it brought.

  235. October 30, 2008

    MattUD

    Haven’t had one as of yet. Doubtful they have many in my area.

  236. November 2, 2008

    Logan

    Cool episode Gary, keep trying new things and expanding your and everyone else’s palates!

    QOTD: Never had an Eastern European wine but will try wine next chance I get. I’m a big Zinfandel fan- next time I’m on a date with some extra cash to spend will definitely try a Plavac! Also BTW great to see you give out another 93+! Don’t be bashful when you really like something!

  237. November 11, 2008

    joe trdinich

    Gary, quite a bit behind on my viewing, as I just got to your Croatia episode. I am of Croatian descent and when my son graduated from college in 2004 he spent 6 weeks touring Croatia. I went and spent the last week with him and we drank many wines during the trip. We also had a Plavac while there and liked it so much we brought a bottle home. I stuck it in as a mystery wine during our next wine group blind tasting and it was a big hit with everyone! Glad to see you liked it. Hope that you can find it and put it in stock. I’d love to buy a few bottles!

  238. November 11, 2008

    yowens

    One of your best. I’ve really gravitated to the shows about wines I know nothing about about cool producers. QOTD: I think I;ve had one- it was a Greek white which was so-so

  239. January 23, 2009

    Dessert Wine Nerd

    Never would have thought of some big time wines comming from Croatia. Good for them. I hope they can continue to bring it in the future. QOTD: Still have to say so far the Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos.

  240. May 14, 2009

    Koshpa

    Hi! Today I’ve seen this episode, and I’m quite pleased how our Coratian wines are rated on this show. There are few things I couldn’t agree with. First of all, continental wines are not just about quantity and zero quality. There are a lot of wine makers on the continental part of Croatia which have excellent white wines (Ivan Enjingi is one of them). I will agree with the part where you mention that white wines are of majority on the continent but its quality is improving every day, and nowdays almost all the wines are of very good to excellent quality. To mention a few: sauvignon blanc, welsh riesling (grasevina), rhein riesling, chardonnay, pinot blanc, traminac. Some of the red wine that are present on the continent are: cabarnet sauvignon, pinot noir, frankovka, merlot, zweigelt, portuguese
    Red wines are of better quality in the southern part of Croatia because of the high number of sunny days on the Mediterranean. Zinfandel (Plavac), merlot, babic, are some of the most common red wines you’ll find in Mediterranean part of Croatia. Also there is Istria (Istra) where you’ll find Malvazija (mentioned in this clip), Zlahtina both white wines, and also teran which is also famous in that part of Croatia.
    And yes, Croatian wines are more appreciated in the world than Slovenian, by far. ;)

  241. June 9, 2009

    Kristo

    Plavac (the last one) is one of many authentic Croatian grape sorts and the wine shown here is one of but not the best brand for it. You should try one named “Ivan Dolac”.

    The price is due to very limited area of steep hills where it grows. Most of the time it is impossible to approach with any machines and people just have to do all by hands and use donkeys for transport.

    There are special micro locationas that are specially appreciated – Postup and Dingac on Peljesac peninsula and the island of Hvar. Different locations get different sun and it make big difference.

    Between them there is island of Korcula that brings best Croatian white wine Posip – a dry white wine. Island Vis brings another great white wine Vugava. Both of them go over 13% and even 14% of alcohol.

    It’s an area to explore for wine (and food) lovers.

  242. June 12, 2009

    Koshpa

    It’s pretty courageous to call Posip best Croatian white wine ;)

  243. June 16, 2009

    Kristo

    Well… To me and in the world around me :-)

  244. June 27, 2009

    richard

    Kristo comments on the wines made on the southern coast of Hvar and suggests that there is a grape called Ivan Dolac. The primary grape on the southern coast of the island is plavic mali which is one of the parent strains of the zinfandel grape in CA and the Italian Primitivo. Ivan Dolac is actual a village that has at least two family owned producers and perhaps more. I have only visited two but it is a small village (<200 population) and both grow the earthy, high sugar plavic grape. Wonderful wines and wonderful people but a town, not a grape. Just down the road is Sv. Nedjelja (Saint Sunday)with a couple terrific restaurants and the Zlatan winery and new tasting room. Bring a designated driver and taste the several producers on the south side if you love REALLY BIG REDS. Wine bars are called knobas and almost always worth a visit. Enjoy!

  245. August 14, 2009

    vedran

    Hi there, grat show, and just one addition….

    Since some of the folks here mentioned Dinji, Dingsomething, etc., I would like to explain relations a bit…

    So Dingach actually (Dinga? in Croatian) is a terrain on Peljesac peninsula, south of Croatia, near Hvar Island (and even more south). That particular spot is planted with Plavac Mali grape.
    This is a steep side of coast that can be reached only by the foot, or (most likely still) by the mule….Sun is always on that wineyards, and additionaly reflecting from the sea.

    That is from where Dingach brand is, and in Croatia is known as THE wine from Adriatic Coast.

    It’s the “noble” kind of Plavac Mali, very rich in flavours, very strong in alcohol, even more expensive than the usual Plavac, and definitly not for the faint-hearted :)

    Second interesting brand from Pelješac peninsula is “Postup”, wich is another terrain there. Grape is also Plavac Mali.

    In a fact, when you say “Plavac” in Croatia, you think “Pelješac”, really, not Hvar. Winemakers from Hvar started earlier to invest in cellars than ones from Pelješac, actually, so they did really good work….

    but if you ask any of older people (or us younger enthusiasts), for a plavac, most of them (us) would say “Dingach”

    I really recommend, if you could get to it. Try the Miloš, Mili?i?,Kiridžija cellars (they are all name of families actually).

    Regards from Croatia.

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