Wines of the week: July 5
Last week our travel writer went to Croatia and loved the wine. This is exactly what happened to Judith Burns and Trevor Long when they visited Croatia in the early noughties and ended up importing it. Both had worked in the music business dealing with the excesses of bands such as Duran Duran, so the intricacies of Balkan bureaucracy must have seemed a breeze. Rather than buying a load of wine and then working out how to sell it, they first created a market through tastings and events. It helps that not only are Croatian wines distinctive but there has been an explosion of interest in new regions. A few years ago most drinkers wouldn’t look beyond the safety of France, Australia and Chile, but now they’re looking further afield.
Their company, Pacta Connect, is now thriving and supplies wines to Harvey Nichols and the restaurant at the Tate. All the wines here can be bought directly from: 01273-607711, www.pactaconnect.co.uk
Josić Graševina Terra Pannonium 2011, £15
I thought it smelt of honeysuckle; my wife thought nectarines. It’s aromatic, floral and herbal with a touch of oiliness – quite heady.
Cattunar Teran 2009, £15
Manly red alert. I love its earthy, bloody smell. In the mouth it’s gutsy and fresh, just the thing to drink with some fatty sausage.
Cattunar Rosé 2010, £16
Dry and citric, this does just what a simple rosé should do – refresh and stimulate.
Dordano Peršurić Misal Millenium Brut, £30
This is made from Malvasia, the signature Croatian grape, with a little Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The main flavour is of apples with a little honey. It’s elegant with a persistent nuttiness and will have you murmuring ‘what is this?’ appreciatively.
Their company, Pacta Connect, is now thriving and supplies wines to Harvey Nichols and the restaurant at the Tate. All the wines here can be bought directly from: 01273-607711, www.pactaconnect.co.uk
Josić Graševina Terra Pannonium 2011, £15
I thought it smelt of honeysuckle; my wife thought nectarines. It’s aromatic, floral and herbal with a touch of oiliness – quite heady.
Cattunar Teran 2009, £15
Manly red alert. I love its earthy, bloody smell. In the mouth it’s gutsy and fresh, just the thing to drink with some fatty sausage.
Cattunar Rosé 2010, £16
Dry and citric, this does just what a simple rosé should do – refresh and stimulate.
Dordano Peršurić Misal Millenium Brut, £30
This is made from Malvasia, the signature Croatian grape, with a little Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The main flavour is of apples with a little honey. It’s elegant with a persistent nuttiness and will have you murmuring ‘what is this?’ appreciatively.