This month’s Explorer Wine Club travels to Croatia, a historic wine-producing nation along the Adriatic Sea that remains one of Europe’s most exciting emerging regions. Croatia’s vineyards are shaped by a mix of coastal influences, rugged landscapes, and indigenous grape varieties that have been cultivated for centuries. This selection highlights that diversity through a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired white blend, a bright and approachable red made from a native Dalmatian variety, and a more structured red that reflects the depth and character of Croatia’s inland vineyard sites. Together, these wines offer an introduction to a country whose winemaking traditions run deep, while showcasing the fresh energy and regional identity driving Croatian wine forward today.
This bright Croatian white blend is crisp, refreshing, and built for easy drinking. Made from a mix of indigenous varieties, it has aromas of citrus and light stone fruit, with a clean, mineral edge. A short skin maceration adds a bit of texture, while stainless steel fermentation and aging keep everything fresh and focused. Perfect for sipping on its own at the beach, it also pairs with lemony orzo or shrimp scampi.
The Producer: Zlatan Otok
Zlatan Otok was founded in 1991 by Zlatan Plenković, one of the pioneers of modern Croatian wine, following the country’s independence. Starting with rugged, hard-to-farm vineyards along the Dalmatian coast and islands, Zlatan built a winery rooted in persistence, place, and a deep respect for traditional varieties. Today, the estate is run by his sons, who continue that work with a focus on quality farming and expressive, regionally driven wines. The Bilo Idro label is tied to their marina-side restaurant and wine bar, reflecting a more relaxed, lifestyle-driven side of the portfolio.
The Region: Makarska (Dalmatia)
Makarska sits along Croatia’s central Dalmatian coast, where steep mountains rise sharply above the Adriatic Sea. Vineyards here are often planted on rocky, sun-exposed slopes with thin soils over limestone, forcing vines to struggle and produce concentrated fruit. The Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers balanced by cooling sea breezes, helping preserve freshness despite the heat. While Dalmatia is known for bold reds, coastal pockets like Makarska are equally capable of producing vibrant, mineral-driven whites.
This is a fresh, fruit-driven red made from 100% Plavina. It opens with ripe plum and dark cherry, with a touch of baking spice. The palate is smooth and medium-light in body, with soft tannins and enough acidity to keep it lively. Fermented with native yeast and aged in stainless steel, it stays focused on clarity and balance. Give it a slight chill and pair with margherita pizza or BLTs.
The Producer: Pomalo Wine Co.
Pomalo Wine Co. is a small Croatian project founded by a cohort of winemakers focused on native grape varieties and minimal-intervention winemaking. Working with growers across Dalmatia, they aim to highlight the character of local grapes. Fermentations are spontaneous, handling is gentle, and the style leans toward freshness and drinkability. The name “pomalo” loosely translates to “take it easy,” a phrase that reflects both the coastal culture and the laidback approach behind the wines.
The Region: Dalmatia (Šibenik area)
Dalmatia is one of Croatia’s primary wine regions, stretching along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, and vineyards are often planted on rocky, sun-exposed sites. Near the historic town of Šibenik, vineyards extend slightly inland, where warm days are balanced by cooler nights and airflow from the sea. A mix of clay and limestone soils supports a wide range of indigenous grape varieties and contributes to the region’s distinctive, balanced wine styles.
The Grape: Plavina
Plavina is a red grape from Croatia, known for producing soft, lighter-bodied wines with moderate tannins and a focus on fresh red and dark fruit.
This blend of native Croatian red grapes delivers blackcurrant and dried fig up front, backed by earthy, savory depth and a thread of spice. It has real structure, with balanced tannins. Time in oak adds depth and a subtle warmth, rounding out the edges without overtaking the fruit. The name Jezero (yeh-zair-oh) translates to “lake” and is a nod to the historic lakes that used to cover the growing region. Pair with lamb kebabs or eggplant parmesan.
The Producer: Vukušić
Vukušić (pronounced: Voo-koo-shitsch) is a small, family-run winery in the valley of Pojezerje (poe-yeh-zher-yeh), led by Darko Vukušić and his wife Kata. They farm their vineyards by hand using organic practices and focus on native grape varieties, maintaining sites that might otherwise be abandoned in this rural area. They take a hands-on, practical approach, prioritizing vineyard work over cellar-driven techniques. In the cellar, they ferment with native yeast, keep handling to a minimum, and age the wines in stainless steel and Slavonian oak.
The Region: Pojezerje (Dalmatia)
Pojezerje is a small inland subregion of southern Dalmatia, set in a fertile valley between the Adriatic coast and the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. While Dalmatia is often associated with rocky coastal vineyards and island sites, Pojezerje offers a different landscape: flatter terrain, deeper soils, and a stronger agricultural tradition. The climate remains warm and Mediterranean, but the inland position brings slightly cooler nights and more variation across the growing season. Vineyards here are mixed among olive groves, orchards, and small family farms, reflecting a long-standing, working agricultural environment.
