Wines Unspecified Antunovic - Tango With Life

Viniou Reviews

Antunovic’s Cuvée “Tango With Life” hails from the Slavonia region in continental Croatia and showcases a vibrant red blend, though the precise grape varieties haven’t been specified. As a non-vintage (NV) cuvée, it’s crafted to highlight consistency, freshness, and a house style rather than the characteristics of a single year. Given the designation as a dry red (“sec”), expect this wine to offer lively red fruit aromas—perhaps cherry and raspberry—intertwined with notes of spice, light tannins, and an easy-drinking profile. The vinification methodology is not detailed, but Croatian red blends often see both stainless steel and gentle oak maturation, aiming to balance fruitiness with structure.

Slavonia is located in north-eastern Croatia, a region renowned for its rolling hills, fertile plains, and continental climate. The cold winters and warm summers favour grape ripening, contributing to concentrated flavours and good natural acidity in the wines. The region’s long winemaking history, influenced by Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman traditions, delivers diversity both in indigenous and international grape varieties. Slavonia is particularly famous for its forests—source of high-quality oak barrels used in cellaring wines across Europe. Vineyards are commonly planted on loamy soils, ensuring both richness and finesse in the finished wines.

For food pairings, this fresh and approachable Slavonian red is wonderfully versatile. Its moderate structure and pronounced fruit make it an excellent companion for grilled meats, such as pork chops or lamb skewers, traditional ćevapi sausages, or hearty stews like Croatian cobanac. For a regional touch, enjoy it with Slavonian kulen (a spicy sausage) or rustic goulash served over polenta or bread dumplings. It can also accompany Mediterranean fare, roasted vegetables, or a flavourful roast chicken.

Serve this cuvée lightly chilled, between 14-16°C, to best accentuate its fruit character and freshness. Pour into a medium-sized glass, let it breathe a few moments, and enjoy within the next couple of years for maximum vibrancy.