Wines Plesivica Šoškic - Haiku 5 - 2021

The 2021 Šoškic Cuvée Haiku 5 from Plešivica, Croatia, is an intriguing orange wine that captures the growing reputation of this region for artisanal and innovative winemaking. Being an orange wine, it is made from white grape varieties fermented with extended skin contact, imparting a distinctive amber hue and a complex aromatic profile. While the exact blend of grapes is not specified, typical varieties from Plešivica may include indigenous or Central European whites, offering notes that can range from dried apricot and orange peel to subtle floral and spicy undertones. The winemaking style embraces natural processes and often forgoes heavy filtration or oak, which allows for expressive minerality and a textured palate, balancing freshness with gentle tannins.

Plešivica, nestled just west of Zagreb in Croatia’s central uplands, is renowned for its rolling hills and cool continental climate. The region benefits from significant diurnal temperature variation, which helps preserve acidity and aromatic finesse in the grapes. The soils here are commonly marl, limestone, and clay, well-suited to both local and international varietals. Plešivica’s history is steeped in centuries-old winemaking traditions, yet today, it is particularly admired for its dynamic approach and for producing some of Croatia’s most exciting sparkling and skin-contact wines, like this Cuvée Haiku 5.

The vibrant and slightly tannic texture of this orange wine makes it versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes: try it with Adriatic seafood—grilled squid or octopus salad—or with earthy mushroom risotto, roast poultry, or creamy cheeses. For a regional pairing, a Croatian štrukli (baked cheese-stuffed pastry) would complement the wine’s structure and aromatic depth.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally around 12-14°C. Decanting for thirty minutes before serving can further reveal its aromatic complexity. This is a distinctive and characterful wine, ideal for those looking to explore Plešivica’s innovative spirit.