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What's in this month's Explorers case....
This month, we’re revisiting one of our favourite regions - Croatia, a country where winemaking traditions stretch back over 2,500 years. In true Novel Wines fashion, we’ve handpicked a selection that showcases Croatia’s unique grape varieties, diverse landscapes, and the unmistakable character of its wines..
From the crisp, Adriatic-kissed whites to the rich, textured reds shaped by the country’s rugged coastlines and rolling vineyards, each bottle tells a story of discovery. Whether you’re sipping by the seaside, pairing with a Croatian-inspired feast, or simply expanding your wine horizons, this month’s case is your passport to something extraordinary.
So, uncork a bottle, raise a glass, and let Croatia’s hidden gems transport you to a place of rich history, bold flavours, and Mediterranean charm. As always, we’re here to answer your questions and can’t wait to hear about your favourites.
Pilato are a true gem in the winemaking scene of Istria. This family run winery is located in the village of Lašići, near Vižinada. The family has been involved in agriculture for generations, and the first vineyard was planted by Ivan Pilato in 1934. Alongside indigenous varietals they also plant some international grapes as part of their 20ha site and this is a wonderful take on Pinot Blanc. The wine has extraordinary characteristics with a bright yellow tone showing green tints. The nose is full of orchard fruit and the taste is soft and rounded with those pears and apples bursting through.
Just half an hour away, near Momjan we find the Kabola winery who specialise in traditional winemaking methods and still use amphora to age their flagship wines. This is their Malvazija and what a great example. Here we have a fresh, well rounded, herby white wine with a moreish finish tasting of bittersweet grapefruit making this very drinkable. Coming from the Momjan Valley in Croatia, the vineyards are situated facing south west towards the Adriatic Sea and benefit from a mixture of red and grey soils which combine to give the very special flavour of this wine.
Next is our first visit to Dalmatia and the Testament Winery. Pošip is the true Dalmatian white grape variety which is grown on vineyards from the Croatian island Korčula. Posip was originally discovered by a farmer 150 years ago in the village of Smokvica, where the winery is now located. This is a great introduction to Dalmatian wine - A moreish character with rich aromas, citrus fruits and Mediterranean herbs. It offers complexity with a lingering minerality.
Also from Testament is their companion red in the Dalmatian Dog range, the delicious Babic which is a multi-layered wine balancing forest fruits with Mediterranean herbs and spices. Opening with scent of Marasca sour cherry and aromatic herbs, the taste is fruity and vibrant with just a medium body so not too heavy. Unsurprisingly this versatile wine compliments a range of meats, charcuterie and cheeses and is very nice on it's own too!
Next it's back to Pilato in Istria to offer you this sensational aged Teran. Unlike the Babic we have just visited this is very much an example of a 'food' wine. It's a bold and expressive take on one of Croatia’s most fascinating indigenous red grapes: Teran. Known for its deep colour, vibrant acidity, rustic nature, and intense character, Teran has been cultivated in Istria for centuries, producing wines that are as wild and untamed as the rugged landscapes they come from.
This beautifully aged 2015 vintage is a testament to Teran’s potential for development and complexity. It opens with rich aromas of dark cherries, wild berries, and dried herbs, intertwined with subtle notes of spice and earthy minerality. On the palate, its structured tannins and bright acidity create a lively yet balanced experience, with flavours of black plum, forest fruits, and a touch of cocoa leading into a long, refined finish.
Perfect for pairing with hearty dishes like slow-cooked meats, truffle-infused pastas, or aged cheeses, it’s a wine that tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique terroir of Istria.
Along with showcasing indigenous varietals and traditional winemaking techniques, Kabola also offer some modern takes in international grapes and we finish with their elegant interpretation of Merlot which is full of dark berries, pepper and cinnamon. It's a wonderful comfort wine with a warming and smooth profile. Leading with an aroma of blueberries and raspberries, the spices then kick in to give a balanced but intense flavour complete with long finish.
Sretno i živjeli! (Good luck and cheers!)
Broad beans (also known as fava beans) are perhaps the most underrated of the bean family. They are huge, green, easy to cook and can be extremely nutritious. It’s a quintessential veg in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fava is the most simple but tasty form of eating broad beans. Full of garlic and dill, it’s guaranteed to take you to the Mediterranean. Cooking it fresh while in season is the best option, but you can also try this recipe with dried broad beans during winter.
You have to mention tacos if you’re talking about summer! Seafood tacos may be not widespread but they are actually very popular in its native Mexico, especially in coastal regions. Crab is a beautiful summer crustacean to eat. With its sweet, meaty flesh it makes amazing tacos. If you love the taste so much, it can always be replaced with imitation crab during winter, but it will not taste nearly as good as the real thing.
Whether you are a fan or not, aubergine is the ultimate summer veg that can taste so good during summer compared to other seasons. It is the king of vegetables in Turkey during summer, as there are many different recipes based on it. But perhaps one of the most loved recipes is named “Ali Nazik”, a heavenly mix of flame-grilled aubergines mixed with yogurt and combined with ground lamb cooking in tomatoes. A must try for any kebab and kofta lover!
