Slavonia

Overview

Slavonia lies in the eastern, continental part of Croatia, far from the Adriatic coast. The region has a cooler continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, and its rolling plains are planted mainly to white grape varieties. The town of Kutjevo has been a wine center since the Middle Ages.

Graševina, known elsewhere as Welschriesling, is by far the most planted variety, producing everything from light, fresh whites to rich late-harvest wines. Frankovka, the local name for Blaufränkisch, is the leading red. Slavonian oak barrels are also prized by winemakers across Europe for aging red wines.

Key Varietals

• GraševinaA crisp, floral white that is Croatia's most widely planted grape variety.
• FrankovkaA spicy, medium-bodied red with bright acidity and dark cherry fruit.
• TraminacAn aromatic white producing perfumed, often off-dry wines.
• Rajnski RizlingA high-acid Riesling that thrives in Slavonia's cooler sites.