Croatian Wine of the Week – Krauthaker Kuvlakhe 2017

Here's the 'skin'-ny on this Graševina

Tasting with Vlado’s daughter, Martina, who today oversees most of the winery’s production

Vlado Krauthaker – one of Slavonia’s most lauded winemakers – founded his namesake winery in 1992 with just one hectare.

Today his 110-hectare estate on southern slopes of Krndija in the Kutjevo wine region is planted with 44 varieties – including whites like Graševina, Chardonnay, Pinot Sivi (Gris), Sauvignon Blanc, Verduzzo, and Zelenac – and reds like Blauburger, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Crni (Noir) and Syrah. Of particular note are the Graševinas made as dry whites, late-harvest, and Slavonia’s first ‘orange’ wine, the Krauthaker Kuvlakhe – which began as one of Krauthaker’s experiments in 2009 after a visit to the country of Georgia – and is made only in select vintages. Its fanciful name is the combination of Ku (Kutjevo), Vla (Vlado), and Khe (Krauthaker).

Krauthaker Kuvlakhe 2017
Here's the 'skin'-ny on this Graševina
Left to macerate on the skins for 60 days and age for years, this Graševina captures not only a deep orange hue but also zesty orange and dried apricot flavors sprinkled with savory, spicy, and nutty notes – all ramped up with a luxurious, mouth-filling texture. 'Orange' you jealous? If so, get some from Croatian Premium Wine Imports, surround yourself with friends and family, and serve with goat cheese, roasted poultry, game meat dishes, and fish with creamy sauces.