Wines Plesivica Šember - Vučjak Rajnski rizling - 2023

Viniou Reviews

The Šember Cuvée Vucjak Rajnski Rizling 2023 from the Plesivica appellation in Central Croatia is an intriguing dry white wine. Primarily crafted from the Rajnski Rizling grape—known internationally as Riesling—this cuvée promises a fresh, aromatic profile. The 2023 vintage, benefitting from a relatively cool growing season, helps to preserve the grape's natural acidity and aromatic complexity. Šember, a renowned family estate, follows meticulous vineyard management and careful vinification, often employing stainless steel tanks to maintain purity of fruit and varietal character. Expect expressive notes of orchard fruits like green apple and pear, fresh citrus, and floral touches, with a flinty minerality typical of well-made Riesling.

Plesivica is a small but highly respected Croatian wine region, situated west of Zagreb on rolling hills at relatively high altitude. The region's continental climate, with warm days and cool nights throughout the growing season, is ideal for preserving acidity while allowing slow, full ripening of aromatic white varieties such as Riesling. The soils are predominantly marl and limestone, imparting distinct minerality and clarity to the wines. Historically, Plesivica has been dubbed the "Croatian Champagne" for its sparkling wine production, yet its dry whites, crafted by dedicated producers like Šember, are gaining increasing international recognition for their elegance and finesse.

This lively dry Riesling pairs beautifully with delicately flavoured dishes. Classic accompaniments include freshwater fish such as trout or pike-perch, simply grilled or served with a light herb sauce, which echo the wine’s freshness. Dishes featuring goat’s cheese or herb omelettes work wonderfully, as do Central European specialities like risotto with wild herbs or lamb with spring vegetables. For a regional touch, try with traditional Croatian štrukli, a baked cheese pastry, whose richness is offset by the wine’s piercing acidity.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C. Allow the glass to warm very slightly to reveal the full spectrum of aromatics. Enjoy within the next few years to best appreciate its vibrant fruit and refreshing acidity.