At least half of the citizens of Croatia do not know what and where “Vallis aurea” is. Do you know? We don’t hold it against you if you don’t, as long as you’re familiar with at least three varieties from Slavonia and Podunavlje. And that, we’re sure, you know.

“Vallis aurea” is the Golden Valley, the name of the most fertile part of Slavonia, with Kutjevo at its heart. For many, it’s one of Croatia’s most fertile wine regions. And there’s no need to wonder too much why that is. Golden are the fields that nurture the land, golden is the sun that feeds the vines, golden is the terroir, and indeed, the final drop. The golden wine of Slavonia. Is your first association Graševina? Well then, cheers and welcome to the world of Slavonian and Podunavlje wines.

The wine region of Slavonia and Podunavlje slightly differs from the geographical surface of the region itself. It is located in the agriculturally most developed part of Croatia and is bordered by true wine Meccas – Kutjevo, Đakovo, Orahovica, Slavonski Brod, and Ilok.

The region lacks almost any towering mountains, with some hills but is nevertheless full of hillocks – spacious, peaceful, and serene like a wheat horizon. These hillocks are precisely the homes of world-renowned grape varieties that diligently transform into award-winning bottles every late summer. Eastern Croatia, concerning wine, is easiest to divide into Slavonia and Podunavlje. Like in Dalmatia, viticulture was first mentioned during the Roman times. However, the wine scene bravely began to develop only in the 13th century.

What connects Slavonia and Podunavlje is the Danube River. Fertile, powerful, sometimes relentless. Just like the wines. Here, vineyards are on gently raised hills and plateaus.

Podunavlje is the eastern sister of the Slavonian region, but they regularly fall under the same wine club. Not only because they produce similar wines, but also because production takes place in a similar manner. The cultivation of the land, which is much cheaper in these parts than in the south. Mechanization is possible, to say the least (which many Dalmatian winemakers can only dream of).

Surrounded by three rivers, Erdut is observed as a peninsula intersected by vast vineyards. Here, the most widespread variety is Graševina. Ilok, on the other hand, is a story of its own – Srijem wines mostly originate from the slopes of Fruška Gora, and those who haven’t tasted the wines of Iločki podrumi need not speak for themselves about how they appreciate wine. Ilok and wine have been inseparable for over two millennia. The most famous vineyard position in Srijem is Principovac, a summer residence and viewpoint.

The Queen Graševina first, then the other princes and princesses.

The similar climates of Slavonia and Podunavlje yield top-notch Graševina. Whether young or aged, it is complex and deserving of attention. In this region, Graševina is the most planted grape variety not only in Croatia but also in the world. It’s most famous as Graševina, but some call it Laški rizling, Grašac… Genetically, it overlaps with some Spanish wines, while you might also hear wine enthusiasts argue that it originates from France. Nonetheless, to us, it’s dearest when we say it’s “ours.”

Graševina perfectly harmonizes with the Slavonian climate and rich soil. Its late ripening nature aligns well with cool springs and warm autumns. Graševina is fruity, airy, light as a summer breeze. Here’s how connoisseurs describe it:

Almost invariably, when encountering Graševina in the glass, we notice delicate nuances of almonds, followed by herbal notes often reminiscent of chamomile, green tea, and hay. Aromas of sweet flowers and honey develop in the wine in accordance with the remaining unfermented sugars and are conditioned by later harvest dates, so late and select harvest specimens will abound with aromas of meadow flowers, acacia honey, and quince jam.

The taste of Graševina is always lively enough due to naturally high acidity, which, in harmony with rich extract, a small amount of unfermented sugar, and decent alcohol, creates a feeling of fullness and sweetness in the mouth. The finish typically features a mild bitterness on the aftertaste, giving Graševina its final unique expression.

Aside from the queen, Slavonia boasts of its sweet brother Traminac – a royal variety that yields the best results in this vineyard. We’re talking about Traminac, and it’s well known that the one from Iločki podrumi was served at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Even those who don’t drink wine enjoy its sweet variants. Your hosts from Slavonia will proudly present chilled Pinot Gris or Chardonnay. Over the past 20 years, efforts have been made to revive the unfairly neglected variety – Zelenac. We hope they succeed.

When we talk about the black grape varieties of Slavonia and Podunavlje, it can be said that the further east we go, the more vineyards are filled with blue berries. Vineyards around the Danube produce red wines like Frankovka, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Or perhaps, interesting blends, which have been increasingly popular in recent years. Fun fact: historical records note that in the 19th century, the first Croatian sparkling wine was made in Slatina.

On the western slopes of Papuk lies the Daruvar wine region – and you’ll remember it for Badel 1862. If they offer you ‘Daruvar Riesling’ in this area, remember that it’s nothing other than Daruvar’s Graševina.

In addition to Graševina, which is characteristic of all areas of Slavonian vineyards, two wine regions are notable for other varieties. The highlight of the Orahovica-Slatina wine region is Silvanac Zeleni, while for Feričanci, the most significant is Crna Frankovka. In the Đakovo wine region, one goes for the Mass Traminer of the Čakovačko-Osječka Archdiocese winery. And plum brandy prepared by the honorable sisters.

The Croatian oasis of French assets.

The famous Burgundian wines, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Pinot Gris, seem to thrive in this climate. They succeed equally well, and international experts confirm that they rival their French counterparts. Equally successful are their black Burgundian siblings – Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in the best years, while Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc reap awards at wine competitions.

And even for ice harvest to Slavonia!

The peaks of Slavonian hills are reserved for ice harvests. Ice harvest is the most demanding harvest that only a few winemakers can afford, and ice wine is considered the most significant predicate wine. It’s said that ice harvesting is only for masochists. The berries are picked later than any other – when they are already wrinkled and full of sugar.

But before that, they had to be motherly protected until harvest. Then comes the work in the cellars, which ensures slow but powerful fermentation at low temperatures. The wine will only be drinkable in two or three years. Naturally, there aren’t too many frozen berries to pick, which ultimately dictates the price of the product. However, we’re talking about grapes for high predicates, and true and dedicated wine lovers spare no expense on them.

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