Savudrija hosted the third edition of the Decanter Winners Showcase by Vinistra, an event that is ever more surely taking its place among the most compelling wine gatherings in Croatia. The tasting in Savudrija does not merely offer a chance to sample wines awarded at the renowned London competition — it promotes Croatia as a serious player on the international wine stage.
The centrepiece of the evening was the ceremonial presentation of Decanter medals to Croatian winemakers, handed out by special guest Beth Willard, Co-Chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards and one of the world’s most respected wine experts.
This year’s edition took an important step forward by opening the event to a wider audience. The rigid boundary between the professional wine world and the wine lovers who want to taste the labels everyone has been talking about disappeared; the wine was presented to the very public for whom winemakers make it, and for that Vinistra, as organiser, deserves great credit. The turnout showed once again that interest in top Croatian wines has long outgrown the narrow circle of sommeliers, retailers and restaurateurs.
More than forty wineries from every Croatian wine region presented wines that won medals at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards. The diversity of styles and varieties was the best proof of how far domestic winemaking has advanced in recent years. From fresh Malvazija and elegant sparkling wines to serious aged reds, in one place visitors gained a genuine cross-section of current wines whose quality the Decanter judges recognised.
A full overview of all 412 award-winning Croatian wines at this year’s Decanter, with the exact score for each label, can be viewed here.
Particular weight is added to the whole event by the fact that it follows a record success for Croatian wines at this year’s London judging. More than four hundred medals is not just an impressive figure — it is direct confirmation of the quality and the ever-stronger international recognition of Croatian wines and winemakers. Such results can no longer be seen as an exception, but as evidence that the domestic wine scene is coming of age.
Savudrija proved to be an ideal stage. The relaxed seaside atmosphere lent the event charm without any loss of professionalism. The walk-around tasting format allowed direct contact with the winemakers and their wines, so in the end everyone left satisfied. It is important that this success serves as an incentive for even more dedicated work in the vineyards and cellars — and that our winemakers are experienced enough not to rest on the laurels of these accolades, because without consistency of quality this success will quickly be forgotten.
Photo by: Merlo de Graia
