If you are a fan of Croatian wine, then you definitely want to try the wines from Slavonia and the Croatian Danube region. These areas are known for producing some of the best wines in the country, so if you're looking for a new variety to try, be sure to try these wines from Slavonia and the Danube region.
Slavonia is located in the central eastern part of Croatia and the climate is perfect for growing grapes. The region has a long history of viticulture, dating back to Roman times. The Croatian Danube Region is further east, near the city of Osijek, and logically borders the Danube River. This area is also known for its white wines, but also for red and sparkling wines.
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Viticulture in Slavonia by Celts and Romans
It is believed that the Celts in the late Pre-Roman period, in the 4th century BC in the wine-growing region of Slavonia and the Croatian Danube vines cultivated. However, historical records of viticulture and winemaking are linked to the Roman Empire and Emperor Marcus Aurelius who banned the planting of vines abolishes it and his legions are encouraged to plant vineyards on the slopes of Fruška Gora.
Archaeological finds undoubtedly indicate that in this area viticulture and viticulture were practiced, and there is a belief that, precisely because of the flourishing vineyards, the Romans called the Požega Valley, located in the heart of Slavonia Vallis Aurea.
Turkish occupation of Slavonia
During the Turkish occupation (1527-1687), viticulture in this area was neglected. After the Turks were expelled, the Viennese court gave large estates to feudal lords (in Vukovar to Count Elza, in Ilok to Odescalchiu, and large areas in Baranja to military commander Eugen Savoye, Count Janković of Daruvar, etc.).
The Bishops' Conference of Đakovo organized viticulture and winemaking on these properties. At the end of the 19th century, phylloxera destroyed vineyards, as in most old world wine countries, but also brought about the arrival of new varieties such as Graševina (Welschriesling), Sylvaner or Riesling, and the disappearance of the previously domesticated varieties.
Creation of wine-growing businesses
After the Second World War, large winegrowing companies were established (such as PIK Belja – Kneževi vineyards in the Baranja wine region, IPK Osijek-Erdut, PIK Vukovar-Ilok and LŠG “Jelen”, OOUR “Ilok” in the Srijem wine region, PPK Kutjevo , PK Orahovica, PIK Đakovo etc.).
With the construction of modern wineries for that time (Vukovar, Kutjevo, Erdut), or the modernization of old ones (in the period from 1960 to 1990), considerable progress was made in this branch of economy, and many German varieties were supplemented by French varieties, mostly of the Pinot family.
The aggression against Croatia (1991-1995) caused great damage to viticulture and wine-growing in Baranja and the Danube region, to be followed after peaceful reintegration by the development of this important industry. Today there are a large number of family wineries in the region that combine winemaking and tourism; this region covers 30,5% of the vineyards in all of Croatia.
The Danube Area
This is an area with a temperate continental climate with regular seasonal changes and optimal environmental conditions for viticulture. The Danube area is mainly characterized by the gently rolling hills of Fruška Gora near Ilok, Banskog Brda in Baranja and the mountain Dalj near Erdut which descends steeply to the Danube.
Along the Danube River are three exceptional wine regions: Srijem, Erdut and Baranja.
The wine sub-regions of Slavonia: Kutjevo, Požega – Pleternica, Pakrac, Daruvar, Nova Gradiška, Slavonski Brod, Đakovo, Feričanci, Orahovica – Slatina and Virovitica are located on the slopes of central Slavonic mountains, including Psunj, Papuk (UNESCO Global Geopark), Krndija , Dilj Mountain and Požeška Mountain surrounding the Požega Valley.
The vineyards themselves are located on gentle slopes at altitudes of 150 to 450 meters. This is Croatia's largest wine region and many vintners produce some of the best wines from the world's continental wine-growing regions.
Graševina most important wine of Slavonia and Danube region
The leading species is Graševina which, depending on the vineyard and wine production style, we can find in countless variations of premium sparkling wines, fresh and light young Graševinas to complex old wines with a rich body, and all categories of predicate wines (quality wine).
Due to its diversity, the climate is suitable for the cultivation of many white varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, Rotgipfler, Müller-Thurgau (Rizvanac), Sylvaner, Riesling and Yellow Muscat.
Lately there are also a lot of excellent ones red wines as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zweigelt, more Portuguese and even Syrah / Shiraz. although Graševina and white species dominate, fit a lot red wines excellent with the traditional cuisine of the region.
ice wine
Ice wines regularly succeed, with harvests of dried berries and selections of dried berries winning top prizes at world-renowned competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards or Mundus Vini.
Wines from Slavonia and the Danube region underestimated
Croatian wines from Slavonia and the Danube region are among the most underrated in the world. But that is changing as more and more people are discovering the incredible quality and value of these wines. So don't wait any longer and discover Croatian wines from Slavonia and the Danube region today!
