Wines Krk Testament Winery - Tribidrag - 2019

Testament Winery’s 2019 Cuvée Tribidrag from the island of Krk represents a fascinating expression of Croatian coastal winemaking. The wine is labelled as a "Cuvée Tribidrag", suggesting that Tribidrag — a historic grape also known as Primitivo or Zinfandel — plays a significant role, though other local varieties may well be involved. The vintage of 2019 benefits from the warming maritime influence and Mediterranean climate of Krk, where rocky limestone soils and sea breezes subtly shape the character of the fruit. Vinification on the island typically balances traditional expertise with a modern sensibility, aiming to express both heritage and purity of fruit, often resulting in dry red wines with admirable structure, ripe berry notes and distinctive local character.

The region of Krk, nestled in Croatia’s Littoral, is steeped in winemaking history that reaches back to Roman times. Vines thrive on its sun-soaked slopes and mineral-rich soils, flanked by the Adriatic Sea, which tempers extremes and contributes to both the freshness and concentration of the wines. Testament Winery, although contemporary in approach, draws inspiration from centuries-old techniques, reinforcing the island’s reputation for producing characterful and food-friendly reds.

For food pairings, this style of robust, yet elegant red is a wonderful companion to local dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. Try it alongside grilled lamb with rosemary, hearty pasticada (Dalmatian beef stew), or simply charcuterie and mature cheeses common to the region. It will also complement tomato-based pasta, roasted vegetables, or lamb cutlets with Mediterranean herbs. Grilled octopus or seafood stews, typical of the Adriatic coast, are also worth trying if you wish to explore less traditional but still harmonious matches.

Serve this red wine at 16–18°C, preferably decanted for about half an hour to allow its aromas and structure to fully evolve. This will help to showcase its generous fruit character, layers of spice, and the subtle saline edge so often present in the best wines from the Croatian littoral.