2015 Zlatan Otok Cuvee

Region: Island of Hvar < Dalmatia < Croatia
Grapes: 25% Bogdanuša, 25% Pošip, 25% Maraština, 25% Prč
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming; dry farming on rocky, volcanic soils; separate fermentation of all four varietals and then blended; aged 8 months in enox then 3 months in bottle; 13% ABV
Winemaker: Davor Sestanovic

Zlatan Otok was founded by Zlatan Plenković, one of the OG Croatian wine dudes. He started as a poor fisherman who hustled, taking on vast quantities of personal debt, to build the 2nd private winery in Croatia in the wake of Yugoslavian communism.   After he passed in 2016, sons Marin and Nikola took over. Located on the extreme slopes of Hvar Island, with altitudes ranging from sea level to 1,000 meters, there is nothing in the wine world that compares to the vineyards of Zlatan Otok. Hvar Island is one of the sunniest (and most beautiful places) on the Mediterranean sea, with an organic microclimate perfect for vine growing – something the Ancient Greeks figured out pre-Roman Empire, when they settled here and planted vines.  All four varieties in this white blend are incredibly old, indigenous Dalmatian grapes from around 4th century BC, that combined provide a unique snapshot of the Dalmatian Island terroir and those rocky, volcanic soils.  A glowy golden color, with denseness and minerality, this wine is a fresh and savory Adriatic breeze, with bright gusts of flowers, melon, figs and salinity.