Wines Unspecified Ilocki podrumi - Izborna Berba Bobica - 2019

Iločki Podrumi, a renowned estate in the Slavonia region of Croatia, presents this 2019 "Cuvée Izborna Berba Bobica", a luscious sweet white wine. While the precise grape blend is not clearly specified, it is likely to feature local varieties typical of the region, such as Graševina (Welschriesling), Traminac (Gewürztraminer), or possibly Muscat, which are well suited to dessert wine production. The term "Izborna Berba Bobica" refers to a special selection of berries, a style akin to "late harvest" wines, where only handpicked, optimally ripe or botrytised grapes are used, resulting in an intensely aromatic and concentrated sweet wine. The 2019 vintage in Slavonia tended to provide favourable weather for late harvest styles, enhancing richness and preserving fresh acidity.

The Slavonia wine region, situated in the eastern part of Croatia, is famous for its continental climate, marked by warm summers and cold winters. This allows for a slow and even ripening of grapes, ideal for sweet styles. Soils are largely loess and clay, conferring both richness and minerality to the wines. Slavonia is steeped in viticultural history, with winemaking traditions that stretch back to the Roman era. The region is perhaps best known internationally for producing high-quality sweet wines, and Iločki Podrumi itself has a storied reputation, often serving its wines at royal courts across Europe.

A wine of this profile is a marvellous companion to decadent desserts—try it with classic Croatian walnut or poppy seed strudels, fruit-based tarts, crème brûlée, or blue cheeses such as Roquefort, where the wine’s sweetness and acidity can cut through richness and enhance complex flavours. For a regional experience, sip it alongside Slavonian honey cakes or sweet cheese pastries.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled, ideally around 8–10°C, to bring out its aromatic intensity and preserve its lively freshness. Use small dessert wine glasses to concentrate its bouquet. Given its depth and structure, the wine will retain its charm for several days after opening if properly stored in the fridge.