Wines of Hvar Aleksandar Noršic

Home of noble and distinctive wines.

Aleksandar Noršic, board memeber United States Sommelier Association
Aleksandar Noršic, board memeber United States Sommelier Association

The exact origins of Croatian viticulture and wine production have their roots in Central Dalmatian region, where our island is situated. Whether the first vine was planted exactly in Central Dalmatia or not remains a mystery. However, ancient Greek settlements on the islands of Hvar, Vis and Brač earned their reputation at a very early stage, which rightfully entitles them to be the cradle of Croatian wine growing. Coins with images of grapes and goblets as well as countless archaeological findings related to wine consumption prove that viticulture was of utmost importance to local inhabitants. Viticulture spread rapidly throughout the region and remained one of the most important aspects of agriculture. At the time of Ancient Rome, its importance rapidly increased. Even the first Croatian settlers converted from mead to wine rather easily.

We are very proud of the fact that our island is home of grape vines ever since the ancient Greek settlers planted the original vines here, back in 384 BC.

There is archeological evidence supporting the cultivation of the vine on island Hvar that dates back almost 2300 years. However, enthusiasm of passionate winemakers, who dedicate their life
o the vineyards and winemaking, made the unique wines of Hvar
what they are today.

Cultivating steep hill vineyards of plavac mali_- Hvar island south shore
Cultivating steep hill vineyards of plavac mali_- Hvar island south shore

Dramatic landscape with great mountain slopes spreading from east to the west for almost 70 kilometers makes island Hvar a perfect home to quite a few indigenous and international grape varieties. Beautiful terraced vineyards are surrounding picturesque villages of Svirče, Vrisnik, Vrbanj, Pitve and Dol, where most of the Hvar wineries are situated. Beside the central vineyards on island Hvar, there are famous south-facing vineyards of Medvid bod, Ivan Dolac and Sv Nedelja spreading across the mountain slopes.

Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate and hard work of local farmers, the karst landscape was turned into arable vineyards, olive groves, orchards, lavender fields, flower meadows and forests, interlaced with dry-stone walls and mounds making island Hvar looking like a mosaic when seen from the air.

 

Famous Sv.Nedelja home of Hvar wine industry pioneer Zlatan Plenkovic steep hill vineyards
Famous Sv.Nedelja home of Hvar wine industry pioneer Zlatan Plenkovic steep hill vineyards

The most noticeable local varietal is Plavac mali. Plavac mali frequently has moderate level of acidity, rich extract is significantly richer as sugar levels gather more easily. Wines from Plavac mali have seductive and very distinct flavour which makes them distinguish. They are often infused with a certain level of sweetness, especially in aftertaste, which is not to be confused with sugar residue.

Another varietal of major importance for this region is Maraština. Although this very famous white varietal has a very long historical background, today it is to be found in small quantities.

This region has many other local varietals to offer which might also be considered indigenous such as bogdanuša, darnekuša, parč, kuč and pošip. Since last couple of years, international grape varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot are also to be found on the island Hvar.

We look forward to welcoming you at our wineries, to meet you in person and to offer you an unforgettable wine experience.

 

Young Nikola Plenkovic at his wine studio cellar located under the sea surface
Young Nikola Plenkovic at his wine studio cellar located under the sea surface
Famous Sv.Nedelja home of Hvar wine industry pioneer Zlatan Plenkovic steep hill vineyards
Famous Sv.Nedelja home of Hvar wine industry pioneer Zlatan Plenkovic steep hill vineyards