Croatian Wine of the Week – Jagunić Three Stars Brut
'Come quickly, I am tasting the stars'...of Plešivica!
After my stops at Šember, Restaurant Karlo, and KORAK in Croatia’s picturesque Plešivica – and being saved by Damir! – my final stop was Jagunić, a longtime multigenerational winegrowing and winemaking family winery.
One of the family members hosted me for a relaxed tasting overlooking the winery’s splendid sloping vineyards, where later Damir would join me, then drive me to my hotel. Thank you, Damir!
In the 1990s, Jagunić brought their production into the modern era by replanting the vineyards and implementing the latest technologies. Jagunić is one of the region’s first wineries to make Plešivica PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) wines under their own label.
My host presented three sparkling wines and three still wines. I was hard pressed to choose just one, but Jagunić’s celebrated Three Stars Brut took center stage – a perfect way to end my one day in Plešivica – and whet my appetite for a return to this delightful and delicious region.
Jagunić Three Stars Brut
'Come quickly, I am tasting the stars'...of Plešivica!
Jagunić’s flagship, traditional method sparkling is a literal trifecta – a cuvée of Chardonnay, Riesling, and old Plešivica varieties from three of their estate vineyards. It is both lively and rich – crisp green apple and zesty citrus meld with delicate cream and crusty bread flavors from 18 months of secondary fermentation in the bottle. I do not score wines, but these brilliant bubbles deserve five stars, not just three. This sparkling was the ideal accompaniment to the winery’s magnificent location atop the heavenly hills of Plešivica. Pair this with Croatia’s own charcuterie and soft cheeses, caviar, smoked salmon, broiled or baked fish, French fries, potato chips, and fried chicken.
If you’re in the U.S., get this sparkling just in time for the holidays from Croatian Premium Wine Imports at this link.
Živjeli!