Wines Plesivica Tomac - Amfora - 2016

Tomac’s 2016 Cuvée Amfora from Plesivica is a distinctive orange wine that stands as a testament to both tradition and modernity in Croatian winemaking. Crafted using a selection of local white grape varieties—often including sorts such as Graševina, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or Chardonnay, though the precise blend is rarely disclosed—the wine undergoes extended skin contact in clay amphorae (amfora) before ageing. This ancient method imbues the wine with an intriguing amber hue and elevated aromas, resulting in layers of dried fruits, orange peel, nuts and subtle herbal notes. The extended maceration on skins lends a tannic structure uncommon in white wines, offering both freshness and grip on the palate, with a persistent mineral backbone reflecting its origin.

Plesivica, located in the rolling hills west of Zagreb, is one of Croatia's most dynamic wine regions. The climate here is continental, featuring pronounced temperature differences between day and night, which helps grapes retain aromatic complexity and brightness. The vineyards cluster on well-drained, sloping soils of limestone and clay. With a winemaking tradition stretching back centuries, Plesivica has become especially renowned for its sparkling and skin-contact wines, with producers like Tomac leading a local renaissance that marries natural techniques to precise craftsmanship.

An orange wine like this is exceptionally versatile at the table. Its savoury character and fine tannins make it a wonderful companion to richly flavoured dishes, such as roasted poultry, pigeon, or veal. Earthy mushroom risottos or root vegetable tarts also pair beautifully. For a regional touch, try it alongside Plesivica’s own duck dishes or mature local cheeses.

To fully appreciate the wine's aromatics and structure, serve the Cuvée Amfora slightly chilled at around 12–14°C. Decanting for thirty minutes before serving can help the bouquet to open, revealing those subtle layers that are the hallmark of well-crafted orange wines. This is a wine to savour slowly, ideally in good company and with food that invites conversation.