Croatia is a country located to the east of Italy with the Adriatic Sea between them. It is at the same 45 degree northern latitude of Bordeaux, Rhone, Toscana, Piedmont and California.

In Croatia there are two main wine growing areas – Continental Croatia and Coastal Croatia. The Continental Croatia wine growing region is the interior part of the country and has a Continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The Coastal region has hot humid summers and mild winters.

Within each there are Sub regions

Continental Croatia has the following Sub regions:

Moslavina

Plesivica

Pokuplje

Prigorje-Bilogora

Slavonia

Zagorje-Medimurje

Coastal Croatia has the following Sub regions:

Istria

Croatian Coast

Northern Dalmatia

Dalmatian Interior

Central

South Dalmatia

The Continental region mainly produces the white varietals. The Coastal region mainly produces the red varietals.

 Grasevina

When you think of a Croatian white wine the the indigenous grape varietal of Grasevina comes to mind. Outside of Croatia this grape is also know as Riesling italico.

2015 Badel 1862 Grasevina Daruvar

Here is a good example of a Grasevina from Continental Croatia. this wine is from the Daruvar vineyard in the sub region of Slavonia.

This wine is 100% Grasevina and is fermented in stainless steel tanks.  The wine has a pale gold color. There are aromas of pear with spices. On the palate the wine is round with plenty of salty minerality. The finish has soft fruits with a slight bitter spice. Easy drinking and not complex. Around $11 per 750ml bottle.