Karma, kismet, kindness, KORAK
Damir saves and KORAK Chardonnay wins the day!
After my Uber driver dropped me off at Restaurant Karlo in Plešivica that Sunday afternoon, where I enjoyed the Tomac Rosé Extra Brut and a delicious lunch, I realized that it would be unlikely I would find another to come from Zagreb to transport me. As I finished my meal about 15 minutes prior to my appointment at KORAK Family Estate, I did not know how I would get there.
A tour group I had met earlier that morning at Vina Šember arrived at Karlo about 30 minutes after me. They were waiting for their lunch to be served when I approached their table. I said, “Hello, I am a U.S. wine writer and I do not have a ride to my second winery appointment in 15 minutes, nor my third. What should I do?” A gentleman leapt to his feet and replied, “I will take you. Wait for me outside. My car is parked about 100 meters away.”
As I got into his car, he introduced himself as Damir. He was the driver for the other group. I explained to him how I was not accustomed to the narrow, winding roads of Plešivica, especially in the large Peugeot SUV I had been given, so I had returned my rental to my hotel and ordered an Uber to Karlo. He said he would drive me the rest of the day in between driving the other group. I was thankful and amazed at his generosity, hospitality, and kindness.
I arrived exactly on time at KORAK and breathed a huge sigh of relief as I gazed across the beautiful property. I could feel the stress slowly exiting my body. The host asked if I would like to sit inside or outside. It was a warm, sunny day so I chose outside.
I did not have a formal journalist-style agenda, but rather, what I would describe as a true local or tourist customer experience at one of Plešivica’s most gorgeous family wineries (and there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant on site). I even made friends with a dog.
Relaxing in a lounge chair, I enjoyed a leisurely tasting alongside a plentiful charcuterie and cheese board, freshly baked bread, and local butter, which began with KORAK Brut Nature, a traditional method sparkling made from Pc (Pinot Crni/Noir) and Ch (Chardonnay), teeming with brilliant bubbles and fresh fruit flavors.
I raised a toast to Damir. Živio!
The second wine, KORAK Laškovec Chardonnay Sur Lie 2021 – creamy and silky-smooth – captivated my palate during this visit.
KORAK Laškovec Chardonnay Sur Lie 2021
Plešivica meets Bourgogne and coastal California
Spontaneous yeast fermented and aged for 24 months in fine French oak barriques – then in the bottle another six months – this 100% organically farmed Chardonnay from Plešivica-Okić is pure unfettered luxury. Peaches and cream, baked apple, toasted nut, and baking spice flavors marry perfectly to create a Chardonnay dripping with decadence – watch out Bourgogne and coastal California! It was an ideal accompaniment to the buttery cheeses and full-flavored charcuterie. If you are looking for a full-bodied white that will stand up to rich poultry, fish, and meat dishes like duck confit, poached salmon, and roasted pork tenderloin, you have found your match.
KORAK Family Estate
Plešivica 34, 10450, Jastrebarsko
+385 099 276 4204
E-mail: korak@korakwinery.com
https://www.korakwinery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korakwinery/
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