I don’t know about you, but when I think of “Old World” wines, I think of wines from Italy, France, Spain, or other Western European countries. Yet, Eastern European wines are starting to make a mark on the map, and for good reason. Often made from indigenous grapes, that are, pardon the pun, quite foreign to the American palate, and also very difficult to pronounce (Crljenak Kaštelanski, anyone?*), these wines are delicious, food friendly, and unique. More rustic in character than even Western European wines, they are a departure from the big, ripe, juicy wines to which many Americans are accustomed. They are also much more wallet-friendly! But these wines are not always and only made from indigenous grapes. We recently received samples of two Eastern European Cabernet Sauvignon wines, one from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one from Croatia.
The following wines were provided as media samples for review. All reviews, descriptions, and opinions are our own. We received no additional compensation.
Vinarija Citluk Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Not your big, Napa Cab, but in a good way. Light ruby/brick color. Aromas of raspberry, red cherry, and spice. On the palate, flavors of raspberry, cherry, red currant, cigar box, and pencil shavings. Medium body, approachable yet edgy tannins, and medium acidity. Paired with a grilled filet steak, it really drew out the fruit flavors and tamed the tannins. The finish is long, with red fruit and white pepper. (Est. Price $13-15 USD)
Vina Frankovic Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Seriously? Empty glassses?
Here comes another delicious Cabernet at a fraction of the price of Napa. Deep purple color. On the nose, blackberry, blueberry, and cherry. On the palate, big, bursting cherry, with an Old World style earthy funk, followed by blueberry, black plum, blackberry, and black currant. Juicy, full, and rich, there is ample acidity and medium tannins. Layers of complexity as the wine settles in; black fruit, açaí, oak, smoke, tobacco, and white pepper. Medium body, very food friendly, and a long finish. Outstanding QPR! (Vivino average price $11.91 USD)
These samples came to us from our good friends at Topochines Vino. While these particular wines are not currently in their inventory, they have plenty of other fantastic wines from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and several other regions; even a few Oregon and Lodi wines! Check out their online store, get out of your comfort zone, and try something new. You’ll likely find a new favorite.
* Love California Zinfandel? Crljenak Kaštelanski is the indigenous Croatian grape recently determined to be genetically identical to Zinfandel. That’s right. Zinfandel originated not in Italy (Primitivo) as was previously thought, but across the Adriatic in Croatia.
Cheers!
- By Kent Reynolds and Robyn Raphael-Reynolds
Apparently, even though most of my wine comes to me via online retailers, I buy enough product from Total Wine to have recently achieved “Reserve” level status. Thus, I received an invitation to their Sip & Mingle event, The Great Cab Debate: Old World vs. New World Cabernet Sauvignon. Not one to turn down an opportunity to taste world-class wine for free, I naturally submitted my RSVP accepting the invitation.
Brick red, ruby rim. Nose of blackberry and red currant. Flavors of blackberry, red currant, black pepper and spice. A little hot but smooth tannins. Long, spicy finish.
Brick red, ruby rim. Plum and earth on the nose. Flavors of raspberry, sour cherry, soft oak, and spice. Bone dry with firm tannins and a medium finish.
Purple color with brick rim. On the nose, green bell pepper, light blackberry, and dusty earth. Blackberry, black plum flavors with soft, smooth tannins and light acidity. Medium finish with berry and white pepper.
Ruby color. Nose of raspberry and blackberry. Flavors of ripe raspberry, plum, red currant, earth, and spice. Supple tannins, medium acidity, and a medium, spicy finish.
Purple color with ruby rim. Aromas of ripe blackberry and soft oak. On the palate juicy blackberry, cassis, and white pepper. Super soft tannins and light acidity. Medium finish of dark berry.
Deep purple color with ruby rim. Nose is fig, mushroom, and cedar. Flavors of ripe blackberry, cassis, black pepper, and black plum. Soft, velvety tannins and balanced acidity with a long, fruity, spicy finish.
Deep, inky purple color. Aromas of blackberry, bramble, cassis, and a hint of licorice. On the palate, blackberry, cassis, black pepper, and spice. Rich and fruity, with soft tannins and balanced acidity. Long finish with berry, cocoa, and spice. My favorite of the evening.
Ruby color with brick rim. On the nose, herbal notes with green bell pepper and blackberry. Flavors of blackberry, bell pepper, earth, spice, and cedar. Still young, the tannins are edgy and its a little acidic. This one needs a few more years in the cellar.
Appetite for Wine 