Wines Zagorje Kuncic - Muškat Žuti - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Kuncic Cuvée Muškat Žuti 2023 is a sweet white wine from the picturesque region of Zagorje in central Croatia. This cuvée is crafted primarily from the Muškat Žuti (Yellow Muscat) grape, a variety prized for its aromatic intensity and lively freshness. The 2023 vintage benefited from a warm spring and a mild summer, allowing the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while retaining their natural acidity—key for producing expressive, balanced sweet wines. While details of the vinification are not specified, Yellow Muscat often undergoes gentle pressing and cool fermentation to preserve its distinctive, floral aromatics and fruit-forward character.

Zagorje, with its rolling hills and patchwork of small family vineyards, boasts a historical legacy of winemaking that stretches back centuries. The continental climate features cold winters and warm summers, ideal for aromatic white varieties. The region's soils are predominantly clay-limestone, which help maintain acidity in the grapes and impart a pronounced minerality. This setting encourages vibrant expression in wines like this Muškat Žuti, supporting both freshness and depth of flavour. Croatian winemaking in this part of the country is rooted in tradition and family heritage, with estates like Kuncic reflecting the authentic character of the land.

With its luscious sweetness, elegant floral bouquet, and notes of citrus blossom, apricot, and honeycomb, this wine is a wonderful match for a variety of food pairings. It excels alongside fruit-based desserts such as apple strudel or apricot tart, and is delightful with creamy cheeses like gorgonzola or a mild goat cheese. For a truly regional experience, pair it with Zagorski štrukli—a local baked cheese pastry—which will echo and enhance the wine’s creamy texture and lift its floral notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Kuncic Cuvée Muškat Žuti 2023 well chilled, ideally at 8-10°C. This temperature will showcase its aromatic profile and balance the sweetness, making for a refreshing and harmonious tasting experience.