Wines Kutjevo Krauthaker - Kuvlakhe Gaševina - 2017

The Krauthaker Cuvée Kuvlakhe Gaševina 2017 is a striking example of contemporary Croatian winemaking, expressing the distinctive character of Slavonia’s Kutjevo appellation. Crafted by the revered Krauthaker estate, this wine exemplifies the “orange wine” style: white grapes macerated with their skins for extended periods, yielding amber hues and complex, textured flavours. While Gaševina (known elsewhere as Welschriesling) is at the core of the blend, the cuvée is celebrated for its nuanced interplay of orchard fruit, tangerine zest, dried herbs, and hints of honey, layered with subtle tannins and evolving oxidative notes from its vinification.

Kutjevo, in Slavonia, lies in the gentle hills at the foot of the Krndija mountains and benefits from a unique microclimate. Warm summer days and cool nights, combined with well-drained loess and clay soils, give the wines their concentration and aromatic lift. The region boasts a rich viticultural tradition, with monastic cellars dating back to the 13th century, and today it is known for some of Croatia's most expressive whites and now, increasingly, for its adventurous orange wines.

This orange wine’s structure, delicate tannic grip, and layered aromatics suit a range of food pairings. It pairs beautifully with mildly spiced Eastern European dishes such as roasted pork with paprika, chicken paprikash, or a mushroom risotto. The textural complexity also complements dishes like grilled marinated vegetables, pumpkin ravioli, and soft washed-rind cheeses, or the traditional Slavonian kulen sausage. For a regional match, consider dishes featuring freshwater fish or hearty bean stews.

Serve Krauthaker’s orange wine slightly cooled, but not too cold, at around 12-14°C to let its aromatic complexity and texture unfurl fully. Decanting for half an hour before pouring can further enhance its evolving bouquet and tannins, offering a captivating and distinctive tasting experience.