Crljenak zinfandel 2018 (Zlatan Otok)

Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Decant 2 hours before serving. Although the Crljenak Kaštelanski variety is relatively rare in Croatia these days, the grape has ardent fans all over the world who know it as Zinfandel and Primitivo. The variety has been grown in Croatia for centuries with written records dating back to the 15th century which describe wines being made with the grape on the islands of Hvar and Vis. Crljenak Kaštelanski is thought to have been taken to Italy in the 18th century where it earned the name Primitivo after its habit of ripening early, and it later found its way to the USA where it thrived on the West Coast. Unfortunately the phylloxera pest which decimated Europe’s vineyards in the 19th century wiped out most of Croatia’s Crljenak Kaštelanski plantings. Today Croatian winemakers like Zlatan Plenkovic are reviving the variety in its homeland and producing bold red wines bursting with dark fruit flavours and earthy nuances. Zlatan’s vines grow beneath Mount Biokovo to the south of Split where the abundant sunshine gives the wine a warm, full-bodied character and soft, ripe tannins. For a true taste of Croatia, try pairing with the traditional dish pašticada which is made with beef slow-cooked with plums and red wine.