Winery: Crvik Winery Tasting of 2021 Lineup
Crvik family name is well known in Dubrovnik area and in wine circles across the country. Their family winery is located in Konavle region, southernmost area of Croatia. This has been the family’s home since the very beginning of the 16th century. They have been involved in winemaking for the last 100 years. Petar Crvik, 4th generation winemaker in his family, welcomed us to their family estate and hosted a tasting of their current line-up. Crvik wines have been garnering accolades for years now, nationally and internationally. After tasting their wines, it’s easy to see why.
Check the full video on YouTube that features a bonus wine not mentioned in the text:
Crvik Tezoro 2019
Vintage: 2019
Tasted: December 2020
Variety: Malvasija Dubrovacka
Alc 13,5%
The wine is made from historically very important local variety called Malvasija Dubrovacka (Malvasia di Sardegna, Malvasia delle Lippari) which is used to produce medium and medium plus bodied white wines of ample fruitiness and alcohol levels.
This wine is clear with lovely golden colour of medium intensity. It looks ripe and warm.
On the nose it appears fresh and energetic, but also quite rich. Fruity aromas of ripe stone fruit, sweet apples alongside white florals dominate. There is a hint of minerality there as well.
On the palate the wine reveals its body which is ample enough to completely absorb 13,5% alcohol and make the whole thing appear lighter than it is. Lovely acidity will delight anyone trying this wine during the hot summers.
Malvasija is traditionally beautifully paired with local grilled fish like sea bass or bream, preferably with no tomato based sauces. It is big enough to pair with plenty of chicken dishes as well as a number of vegetarian and vegan options. My favourite pairing would be turkey medallions in honey and sour orange sauce.
Crvik Satir 2017
Vintage: 2017
Tasted: December 2020
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alc 15%
Wine is clear. The colour is of medium intensity with predominantly ruby tones.
When it comes to primary fruity aromas the nose is dominated by black berry fruit like blueberries and blackberries. Varietal cassis aromas will help you identify it in blind tastings. Present as well are lovely spicy aromas including those of black pepper and some sweet vanilla as well.
Medium body with high tannins and great acidity. Lovely fruity aromas make the wine very drinkable at the moment, but it will get even more interesting in a couple of years when the tannins have been dulled further. Medium length finish completes the picture of a user friendly Cabernet perfect for restaurants.
Speaking of restaurants, food pairings abound with lean steaks being at the top of the ladder. For local pairing go for Dalmatian Przolica (local flat steak). Tuna steak would be a great seafood match for this wine. More off beat options might include prosciutto pizza (popular in Dubrovnik) or porcini and truffle pasta.
Crvik Negromant 2018
Vintage: 2018
Tasted: December 2020
Variety: Merlot
Alc 15%
Deep ruby tones hint at a powerful wine.
Lovely varietal nose will hit you with fruity notes of raspberry, red plum and violet. Lovely addition of sweet spices from the oak use is at no point overbearing.
On the palate the fruity aromas move more towards dark berry fruit and dark chocolate. Medium plus acidity does well to bring the wine in balance. Tannins are medium plus and well integrated and the finish is quite long. The wine is characterful, but drinkable and will leave you wanting another glass.
Negromant would work wonderfully with various meat dishes. Grilled steaks, ribs, roast pork are all great pairing choices for this ample merlot. If you are putting together a charcuterie board to have with this wine try including tome blue cheese.
Crvik Pomet 2017
Vintage: 2017
Tasted: December 2020
Variety: Plavac Mali
Alc 14,6%
Colour is clear, of medium intensity and ruby in character.
Fruity aromas feature those of both red and dark fruits. Sour cherry, chocolate, plum jam provide a lovely mix of aromas complimented by subtle herbaceous and sweet spice notes.
This beautifully structured wine first hits you with vibrant aromas of berry fruit and spices. Plavac Mali tannins are well present and add character, but are still soft enough to not be dominant. Medium plus acidity keeps the wine fresh and feeling lighter than its alcohol content would suggest. Finish is medium.
This is a wine that demands a food heavy enough to not be overpowered by it. All manner of dark meat dishes can suit it well. Wild boar ragout would be a great choice. Favourite pairing might be 80% dark chocolate.
Crvik Vilin Ples
Vintage: 2017
Tasted: December 2020
Variety: Plavac Mali, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malvasija Dubrovacka
Alc 14,6%
This is a blend of all the red varieties that the winery works with, along with an addition of 1% Malvasija Dubrovacka. All wines are made individually and then blended by the winemaker.
Ruby red wine of deeper colour. Clear and inviting.
Rich but elegant. There is plenty to discover in the glass of Vilin Ples. Mix of red and dark berry fruit entices with blackberry, blueberry and dark cherry notes. Chocolate and leather compliment fruity aromas. Spicy aromas are well present also, added through the use of oak with Slavonian (Croatian) oak dominating.
Vilin Ples is an ambitious wine which will develop wonderfully with age. It is a rich blend with great structure which ensures its energy and longevity. Tannins are pronounced, but well rounded. The mix of aromas lingers in the mouth for quite some time before dissipating elegantly.
Similar to other reds by this winery, this wine will work best with red or dark meat dishes. It has the power to take on various stews or dishes like Dalmatian Pasticada – beef fillets in thick sauce. Vilin Ples can do well with various cheeses and all manner of cured meats.
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