The Wine
Debit ‘2008’ – Bibich Winery – Skradin, Croatia
The Place
The town of Skradin is located along the northern Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. As the crow flies, Skradin is about 100 miles east across the Adriatic from the Italian wine region of Marches. One of two of major wine regions (not including sub-regions) in Croatia, the Dalmatian Coast is cooled by breezes that come off of the Adriatic Sea. Though not a recognized quality wine making region by many, wineries that reduce yields and focus on indigenous varieties will help elevate the Dalmatian Coast to better popularity in due time.
The Producer
Winemaker Alen Bibich leads the team at the Bibich Winery. They make four differen cuvees that I can find and they only produce roughly 100,000 bottles of wine annually. As mentioned in my blog, Croatia went through a hellish war for independence in the 90s and before he started working with the family at the winery, he fought alongside his countrymen in the Croatian Army. With the war behind him, Bibich began tending to the vineyards and a decade later, the winery is on the map.
What Does it Taste Like?
When I first poured the wine, I thought by its appearance that it was oxidized or a 30 year old late-harvest Chenin from the Loire. Aromatically it was neither. It was also nothing that I had ever smelled before. Lanolin, white flowers and gobs of licorice jump out of the nose. Hints of green apple and smoke are buried in there as well. My wife asked me if this would be a wine that gets better as it opens up over time and she hit the nail on the head. After about hour, the licorice muted a bit and fusely, green apple qualities filled the glass. On the palate, the wine is rich and powerful with wonderful weight, but by the time it hits the mid and back palate, refreshing acidity and bright green apples carry the wine. Licorice and a hint of a creamy texture (this wine spends one year in American oak) fill out the finish. This wine is nothing short of dynamic. I saved a glass to see how it evolves over night. Instead of seeing a decline, I think it will open up and show notes unseen upon opening. Stay Tuned!
How Much Does it Cost?
$15.99.
$15.99.
