Krauthaker Cuvée Izborna Berba Posušenih Bobica 2019 is a sweet white wine from the Kutjevo appellation in the Slavonia region of Croatia. While the precise grape varieties used in this cuvée are not detailed, wines labelled “Izborna Berba Posušenih Bobica” typically denote a selection of dried berries, much like a late harvest or Trockenbeerenauslese style, suggesting concentration, luscious sweetness, and an opulent, layered profile. The 2019 vintage yielded remarkable fruit rightness in many European regions, likely reflected here in the wine’s depth and complexity. Krauthaker is a renowned producer in the area, and their approach to such wines often involves careful selection of botrytised or dried grapes, gentle pressing, and slow fermentation to preserve the natural sugars and nuanced aromas.
Slavonia, and specifically the Kutjevo valley, is a distinguished wine area in eastern Croatia with a history stretching back to Roman times. The region’s continental climate brings warm summers and chill winters, while loess and clay soils, occasionally mixed with marl, lend wines an appealing balance of freshness and richness. Kutjevo is particularly famed for its white wines, traditionally led by Graševina (Welschriesling), though local winemakers may craft cuvées from a blend of indigenous and international varieties, especially for special selections.
The intensely sweet and aromatic style of this Krauthaker wine makes it an excellent partner for rich, creamy blue cheeses such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, as well as classic desserts like apple strudel or apricot galette. Regional Croatian desserts incorporating dried fruits and nuts would also create a harmonious match. For a true local pairing, consider it alongside Slavonian walnut cake.
To best appreciate the wine’s aromatic complexity and luscious texture, serve well-chilled but not icy, ideally between 10–12°C. Pour into a small white wine or dessert wine glass, allowing its bouquet to expand. This wine will evolve in the glass and can be sipped meditatively at the end of a meal or as a luxurious companion to dessert.
