Best grape harvest in decade for hilly central and northwest Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
ZAGREB, 27 Aug (Hina) – The grape harvest has begun in central hilly areas of Croatia, and vineyard owners and winemakers agree that this is the best harvest of the decade, the Bregovita Hrvatska Winemakers’ Association announced on Tuesday.
The first vineyards to receive pickers this year were those in Plešivica, where the harvesting of grape varieties used as a base for sparkling wines began last week.
“Unlike the past few years, this has been a favourable year for viticulture. We weren’t troubled by rain or vine diseases. The result is a good harvest. The grape parameters are excellent, so we believe everything in the cellar will go smoothly as well,” said Nikola Šember from Šember Winery.
Even organic winemakers have no complaints about this year’s growing season.
“This year’s harvest is our first with an organic certification. After two challenging years in terms of protecting and keeping the vineyards healthy, this summer has brought us an excellent yield. The health of the grapes, their quantity, parameters, and quality are outstanding! I believe this kind of harvest is a real boost for us and everyone else involved in organic wine production,” said Danijel Šarušić, Director of Podrum Mladina.
At the start of the week, grape pickers also rolled up their sleeves in the northwestern hilly region of Hrvatsko Zagorje. “A lovely summer has given us a higher yield than in previous years. And the quality of the grapes looks good too.
At our winery, we’ll also remember this harvest for improvements in primary processing and we’ve got a new press and an associated processing line, which will help us improve the quality of our wines,” said Josip Prekratić from Prekratić Vino.
Elsewhere in central hilly Croatia, winemakers and vineyard owners are in “full readiness mode.” “We’re sterilising the cellar, cleaning the tanks and machines, and mowing the grass in the vineyards. We’ll start harvesting in early September” said David Štampar from Štampar Winery.
