Komarna – the youngest and sweetest vineyard in Croatia
Although Komarna borders the Neretva delta and its vineyards, the difference in altitude is measured in hundreds of meters. Imagine a vast geological rock where nothing had been growing apart from macchia, Mediterranean herbs and medicinal plants.
Today, among the sage and rosemary, vineyards have grown. The vines’ difficult path was ensured by laborious stone crushing. Here, where the roots must fight for survival with the limestone rock, control in the vineyard is essential.
Under the relentless sun of Komarna vineyards, irrigation is not a matter of choice, but of necessity. Even Plavac Mali, accustomed to Dalmatian drought, cannot survive otherwise.
Across the sea, you can see thePelješac peninsula, home of Plavac Mali. On Pelješac, however, dolomite stones retain water and irrigation are not necessary.
Maybe that is the reason why Plavac from Komarna is different, more elegant and fruity, with more mature tannins and less ripe, but concentrated and powerful.
Seven owners have vineyards in Komarna, but only four wineries are of significant capacity. All four are certified for organic production or are going in that direction because nature is preserved here.
Biodiversity provides natural balance, while soil and microclimate conditions allow cultivation without the use of pesticides of all sorts.
Unlike the best Neretva wines, in Komarna,almost exclusively indigenous varietiesare grown. The predominance of Plavac Mali in red varieties is followed by its genetic ancestor Tribidrag (CrljenakKaštelanski, Primitivo, Zinfandel), and there are also white varieties, Pošip and Rukatac (Maraština).
Wineries Rizman, Volarević, Terra Madre and Saints Hills, which grow grapes here for its best label – Sv.Roko, are fighting in a friendly competition for national prestige.
Volarević originally planted Plavac Mali exclusively. The Gold Edition is the most prestigious label and you have to try excellent rosé called La Chic.
Meanwhile, after the success of Pošip, family Volarić planted white Dalmatian variety Maraština too.
Rizman’sTribidrag is sold out in advance and their Plavac “Primus” is one of the longest-living wines in Croatia.
They are also recognized by Pošip, and more and more people talk about the wine-tasting experience, the viewpoint with one of the most beautiful views of the vineyards and the neighbouringPelješac peninsula, as well as authentic cuisine and gourmet oil from Rizman’s own olives.
Did you know?
Komarna is the youngest wine-growing region in Croatia. The first bottles are from the 2008 harvest. Today, more than 500,000 vines are planted.
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