Your Guide to Croatian Wines - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club
Welcome to this month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club, the UK's most exciting wine subscription for the curious drinker. Each month, we will introduce you to a new wine region as part of our promise to deliver no two wines the same for a whole year. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.
Looking for an older guide? See all the Explorer's Club guides here.
What's in this month's Explorer's Club?
This month, we’re setting off on a vinous adventure to the sun-drenched landscapes of Croatia, a country where winemaking traditions stretch back over 2,500 years. In true Novel Wines fashion, we’ve handpicked a selection that showcases Croatia’s unique grape varieties, diverse landscapes, and the unmistakable character of its wines.
From the crisp, Adriatic-kissed whites to the rich, textured reds shaped by the country’s rugged coastlines and rolling vineyards, each bottle tells a story of discovery. Whether you’re sipping by the seaside, pairing with a Croatian-inspired feast, or simply expanding your wine horizons, this month’s case is your passport to something extraordinary.
So, uncork a bottle, raise a glass, and let Croatia’s hidden gems transport you to a place of rich history, bold flavours, and Mediterranean charm. As always, we’re here to answer your questions and can’t wait to hear about your favourites. Sretno i živjeli! (Good luck and cheers!)
We start in the far east of the country in the historic vineyards of Ilok, nestled along the banks of the Danube. Iločki Podrumi carries a thousand years of winemaking heritage, crafting wines that reflect the soul of Western slopes of the Fruska Gora Mountains where their vines are planted. Among its treasures is the Traminac Select, a captivating expression of the grape you may know as gewurztraminer, known for its aromatic intensity and elegant structure.
Brimming with character, this wine greets you with an enchanting bouquet of fragrant rose petals, ripe apricots, and a whisper of sweet spice. On the palate, luscious notes of lychee, honeyed citrus, and delicate white florals unfold, beautifully balanced by a fresh acidity and a silky, lingering finish.
Perfectly suited for pairing with fragrant dishes, creamy cheeses, or simply enjoyed on its own. Uncork a bottle and let its elegance unlock of one of Croatia’s most underrated wine regions.
From the sun-soaked hills of Istria, Franc Arman’s Chardonnay is a shining example of Croatia’s ability to craft world-class wines with elegance and depth. The Arman family has been tending these vineyards in Narduči for generations, combining tradition with modern winemaking to create wines that truly capture the essence of their land.
This beautifully crafted Chardonnay is both expressive and refined. Aromas of ripe peach, citrus zest, and delicate vanilla rise from the glass, hinting at the wine’s time spent in oak. On the palate, it’s wonderfully balanced—silky and rich, yet lifted by a refreshing minerality that speaks to Istria’s limestone soils. Notes of golden apple, toasted almond, and a whisper of spice lead into a long, harmonious finish.
Versatile and food-friendly, it pairs effortlessly with grilled seafood, creamy risottos, or roasted poultry, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Pour a glass, take in its golden hues, and let it transport you to the warm, Tuscan-like vineyards of Istria.
Another gem from the wonderful Franc Arman up next. Here he showcases one of Croatia’s most iconic and beloved grape varieties: Malvazija Istarska. Unique to the Istrian peninsula, this indigenous grape is renowned for its fresh aromatics, vibrant acidity, and distinct mineral character, shaped by the region’s sun-drenched hills and limestone-rich soils.
In this beautifully crafted wine, Franc Arman captures everything that makes Malvazija Istarska so special. Bursting with aromas of acacia blossom, citrus zest, and ripe stone fruits, it offers an inviting first impression. On the palate, crisp notes of green apple, pear, and juicy peach are balanced by a crisp acidity and a touch of almond on the elegant, lingering finish.
A very food-friendly wine, it of course goes great with Istrian seafood dishes, but also truffle-infused pastas, or a simple platter of olives and fresh cheeses. Pour a glass and let Istria’s golden sunshine shine through.
From the historic vineyards of Ilok in eastern Croatia, Iločki Podrumi is one of the country’s most esteemed wineries, with a legacy that dates back centuries. Nestled along the Danube River, this region is known for its exceptional terroir, which lends elegance and character to its wines.
The Frankovka Rosé Select is a delightfully expressive Rose. Crafted from the Frankovka (Blaufränkisch) grape, delivering a rosé that’s as vibrant as the Adriatic coastline. It opens with enticing aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of rose petals. On the palate, it’s fresh and lively, with flavours of red currants and citrus zest balanced by a subtle minerality and a crisp, dry finish.
Perfect as an aperitif or paired with Mediterranean dishes like grilled fish, light salads, or prosciutto and melon, this rosé is a versatile delight. It beautifully reflects Croatia’s winemaking heritage and offers a refreshing glimpse into the country’s burgeoning reputation for producing world-class wines.
Pilato are a true gem in the winemaking scene of Istria. This family run winery specialize in the local grapes and it’s a pleasure to offer you this sensational aged Teran. It is a bold and expressive take on one of Croatia’s most fascinating indigenous red grapes: Teran. Known for its deep colour, vibrant acidity, rustic nature, and intense character, Teran has been cultivated in Istria for centuries, producing wines that are as wild and untamed as the rugged landscapes they come from.
This beautifully aged 2015 vintage is a testament to Teran’s potential for development and complexity. It opens with rich aromas of dark cherries, wild berries, and dried herbs, intertwined with subtle notes of spice and earthy minerality. On the palate, its structured tannins and bright acidity create a lively yet balanced experience, with flavours of black plum, forest fruits, and a touch of cocoa leading into a long, refined finish.
Perfect for pairing with hearty dishes like slow-cooked meats, truffle-infused pastas, or aged cheeses, it’s a wine that tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique terroir of Istria.
Another treat from 2015! From Fuškulin in western Istria, this is a masterful blend from the family’s humble 7 acres of vineyards that embodies the rich winemaking heritage of Croatia’s most renowned wine region. Crafted by the Damjanić family, whose dedication to quality and tradition spans generations now with winemaker Ivan Damjanic heading up things, this wine is a perfect example of how Istria’s diverse terroir can produce reds of remarkable depth and elegance.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Borgonja (Blaufränkisch), Clemente is a wine of complexity and balance. It greets the senses with an inviting bouquet of dark cherries, blackberries, and dried plums, layered with hints of vanilla, tobacco, and sweet spice from careful oak aging. On the palate, it is rich and velvety, with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish that reveals notes of cocoa, black pepper, and Mediterranean herbs.
This bold yet refined wine is an excellent companion for grilled steaks, game dishes, or a lovely Sunday Roast, making it a perfect choice for those looking to explore the depth and sophistication of Croatian reds.
