Wines Unspecified PP Orahovica - Zeleni Silvanac Kasna Berba - 2021

Viniou Reviews

PP Orahovica’s 2021 Cuvée Zeleni Silvanac Kasna Berba is an intriguing semi-sweet white from the Slavonia region in Croatia. The wine is crafted mainly from Zeleni Silvanac, better known as Silvaner, with the designation “Kasna Berba” signifying a late harvest. This approach allows the grapes to reach an optimal level of ripeness, concentrating both their natural sugars and aromatic profile. The 2021 vintage, a testament to careful vineyard management, offers a lively freshness balanced with luscious, ripe fruit sweetness. Vinification typically involves cold fermentation to preserve delicate floral and orchard fruit notes, resulting in a wine with a gentle, amiable mouthfeel and a vibrant yet rounded profile.

Slavonia, situated in the north-east of Croatia, is renowned for its gently rolling hills and fertile plains, ideally suited for white varietals. The climate is continental, marked by warm summers and cold winters, which facilitates the slow, even ripening necessary for late-harvest wines. The region’s soils, a mix of loam and clay, contribute both structure and minerality to the wines, helping to maintain vibrancy. Historically, Slavonia has enjoyed a longstanding winemaking tradition, with strong influences from neighbouring Central European countries, and is particularly known for its white wines distinguished by freshness and finesse.

This semi-sweet Zeleni Silvanac is excellent paired with food, thanks to its balance of residual sugar and fresh acidity. For a regional touch, try it alongside Slavonian smoked ham or a light cheese plate featuring young, creamy cheeses. It also pairs beautifully with Asian cuisine—think mildly spiced Thai curries or Vietnamese summer rolls—where the slight sweetness offsets gentle heat and aromatic herbs. For dessert, opt for fruit tarts like apple or pear, which complement the wine’s ripe orchard fruit character.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this wine well chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Allow it a few minutes in the glass to open up its aromatic bouquet, and enjoy its balance of refreshing acidity and late-harvest richness in good company.