A view from the hilltop – premiere tasting of the wines of Bregovita Hrvatska

At this year’s BregPremier in Zagreb, on 23 March 2026, 40 winemakers of Bregovita Hrvatska (Hilly Croatia) took part, presenting more than 200 wines. Alongside wines of last year’s vintage there were also older vintages, ready for the market but only now presented for the first time.

From the wines on show it was evident that this region – defined by its micro-terroirs, hilly topography, moderate continental climate and diversity of soils – builds its recognisability and authenticity on the production of fresh wines, which, together with a diversity of varieties, a large share of them indigenous, is the only right path.

Owing to their terroir specificities, the wines often feel more linear, more precise and more “taut” than those from warmer areas, yet behind that freshness lies a broad spectrum of styles. Thus, besides still, fresh wines, the winemakers of Bregovita Hrvatska once again presented themselves as absolute leaders in sparkling-wine production. It is especially pleasing that more and more of these come from our indigenous varieties, which in Bregovita Hrvatska strike a fine balance between ripeness and the high acidity essential for such a style – wines that lean towards elegance, freshness and minerality rather than power.

White wines form the backbone of this wine region, as is clear from the diversity of styles, among which the sweet wines lead in quality, showing exceptional balance, elegance and longevity, as could again be seen at the Sheraton. Almost all the sweet wines display freshness and vibrancy and an excellent balance of sugar and acidity, even at the highest predicates, which represent serious potential for the region. Their opulent nose, palate and length make them not merely dessert wines but serious, age-worthy wines for contemplation and long-lasting enjoyment.

With the red wines at the premiere, the emphasis was on elegance, freshness and restraint rather than power and extraction, which is entirely logical. There were lovely Pinot Noirs (crni pinot) and Frankovka (the local Blaufränkisch), light to medium-bodied, with pronounced acidity and fine tannins. A few reds from Bordeaux varieties were also good, but the impression is that these should be the exception rather than the rule.

This is certainly another good initiative by the Bregovita Hrvatska association, though it might have been organised a little earlier, as some restaurateurs had already finalised their wine lists for the coming season.