One of the wine labels from Croatia that has become viral and is often quoted on various international websites as an example of the world’s most unusual wine labels is “Kutjevo kitokret” (referring to rising male genitalia). Even the most somber face will look at this label and start smiling. I am usually suspicious of such creative outbursts, because in vast majority of cases, humor on the label serves to turn attention from plonk. Finally, I get a chance to taste what’s behind the label of Kutjevo Kitokret…

At this year’s WineOS (regional wine festival in Osijek), I also spotted Sontacchi Winery among exhibitors. I approached the stand and the winery owner, Krunoslav Sontaki led me through the tasting. I had an opportunity to taste premiere wines that would soon be available on the market, so the wines hadn’t received their final labels with the indication of vintage.

Graševina 2018 – Sontacchi – Young Graševina, almost ready for the market … Rich rounded expression in the mouth, yellow apple, pear, peach, citrus notes, herbal and spicy hints. Vibrant acidity contributes to wine’s freshness.

Pinot Noir 2017 - Sontacchi - Varietal wine made from Pinot Noir matured for one year in used barrique barrels. Generally, I was impressed by the manner Sontacchi Winery was using wood in red wines. Wonderfully balanced wine. Elegant, predominantly fruity on the nose (aromas of strawberry, raspberry, red fruits) with hints of earthy tones. Varietal features of Pinot Noir are easy to recognize in the glass. I’d like to try this wine in 5-6 years, because it certainly has good ageing potential…

Cabernet Franc 2016 (Kitokret) - Sontacchi -

The moment has come to taste Kitokret … I’m only now finding out that Krunoslav actually has two versions of the label for this wine. One is a label for Kutjevo Kitokret that has its own target audience and certain restaurant owners and cafes are explicitly asking for it. On the other hand, the same wine is bottled with a more elegant version of the label that stylistically communicates a completely different message, without vulgarity. Already at the first sip, I remained fascinated because Kitokret was actually much more serious wine than I had expected. 100% Cabernet Franc. Again, stylistic features of Sontacchi come to light: accentuated fruitiness and smart use of oak. Rather concentrated wine, but still elegant. Complex aromas add to its air of sophistication. Exciting spicy finish followed by earthy hints return in a long retro-nasal finish…

THE FIRST VINEYARD OF MORAVA IN CROATIA

In addition, it is worth mentioning that Sontacchi Winery is the first winery in Croatia that planted Morava variety in their vineyards. Krunoslav, with a smile, recounts the anecdote that Morava vines travelled via a detour through Bosnia, hidden in a car trunk… And they now grow in Kutjevo vineyards. Krunoslav says that he is pleased with the results, but for the time being, he is blending it with other white varieties since they do not have sufficient quantity of grapes for the time being.

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The WineOS Festival was organized on January 11 and 12, 2019 for the fifth time in Osijek. The festival brought together more than 70 exhibitors from Croatia and neighboring countries and provided an opportunity for visitors to embark on discovering new one-gastronomic experiences.

(14.01.2019.)

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