Wines Unspecified Brzica - Merlot - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Brzica’s 2020 Cuvée Merlot Blanc is an intriguing and innovative wine from the Slavonia region of Croatia. Crafted entirely from Merlot, a grape usually associated with robust reds, this blanc de noirs style is vinified without skin contact, resulting in a dry white wine with a refined structure. The wine exhibits a pale straw colour and delivers subtle aromas of white peach, wild berries, and hints of citrus zest, overlain with a delicate floral character. On the palate, it is harmonious and refreshingly crisp, balancing Merlot’s natural roundness with a clean finish and bright acidity.

Slavonia, situated in eastern Croatia, is renowned for its diverse terroir and long history of viticulture, dating back to Roman times. The region benefits from a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, yielding expressive and vibrant wines. The soils here are mainly composed of loess, with pockets of clay and limestone, which contribute complexity and minerality. Though Slavonia is perhaps best known for its white Grasevina, local winemakers, like the Brzica estate, are increasingly experimenting with international varieties and innovative vinification techniques, such as producing white wines from red grapes to highlight both tradition and modernity.

To complement the elegant freshness of this Merlot Blanc, pair it with a variety of seafood dishes, such as grilled Adriatic prawns, shellfish risotto, or lightly cured fish carpaccio. It also works beautifully with Croatian specialities such as štrukli (cheese-filled pastry) or a simple roast chicken seasoned with Mediterranean herbs. Soft, mild cheeses and seasonal vegetable salads will also let its delicate fruit notes shine through.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine well-chilled at 8-10°C. Allow it a few minutes in the glass to open up, appreciating its subtle aromatics and lively palate. Ideal as an aperitif or to accompany lighter fare throughout the meal, Brzica’s Merlot Blanc promises both intrigue and pleasure for the curious wine enthusiast.