Bosnia & Herzegovina

BOSNIA & hERZEGOVINA

Welcome to the captivating world of Bosnian and Herzegovinian viniculture! With a history spanning millennia, our country has nurtured the art of winemaking with unwavering passion. From the ancient times of Illyrians and Thracians to the Romans’ influence, our vineyards have been shaped by rich traditions. After a period of decline during Ottoman rule, the arrival of the Austro-Hungarian administration revitalized our vineyards, ushering in a golden era. Despite the challenges of World War I and the turbulent dissolution of Yugoslavia, our winemakers persisted, leading to a remarkable revival. Today, with over 4,000 hectares of vineyards and international recognition, our wines embody the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern excellence. Discover the magic of Bosnian and Herzegovinian wines and let us enchant you with our exceptional flavors.

Photo's by Irfan Redžović.

OVERvIEW

Embark on an extraordinary vinicultural adventure as you explore the vineyards of Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled in both the northern and southern parts of our stunning country. In the north, discover the Bosnian wine region, where the Kozarac region and its main city, Prijedor, beckon with their allure. Travel further to the captivating Ukrina region, home to the vibrant cities of Derventa in the North and Banja Luka in the South. The Majevica region, centered around the captivating city of Tuzla, unveils its own vinicultural treasures.
Yet, it is in the mesmerizing Herzegovina wine region, nestled between the rivers Neretva, Trebižat, Bregava and Trebišnjica, where the true heart of wine production beats. Mostar, with its surrounding towns of Čitluk, Stolac, Čapljina and Ljubuški, stands as a testament to the region’s winemaking prowess. Trebinje in the east of the region is an idyllic city that is known as the capital of Slow Food movement in the country and a winner of multiple international sustainability awards! Discover this captivating region, a haven for vine cultivation and wine production. With vast vineyards spanning thousands of acres, this sun-kissed land captures the essence of nature, transforming it into remarkable wines that captivate the senses. Despite smaller quantities, Herzegovinian wine stands apart with an unwavering commitment to quality.
Immerse yourself in this enchanting world along the renowned Herzegovina Wine Route, where picturesque vineyards paint the landscape, and family-run wineries offer a taste of indigenous grape varieties like Zilavka and Blatina. Let the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of the sun envelop you as you sip your way through this extraordinary journey, experiencing the passion and allure of Herzegovinian wine.
Prepare to be enchanted as you embark on a journey through our vine-covered landscapes, savoring the flavors and aromas that define the wines of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let us delight your palate with the magic of our vinicultural heritage, rooted in centuries of tradition and nurtured by the sun-drenched terroir of our remarkable region.

authentic grape variety

Grape Varietiees

White

– Žilavka

Red

– Blatina
– Trnjak
– Vranac

overview

Experience the Elegance of Žilavka: Unveiling the Pride of Herzegovina
Delve into the enchanting world of Žilavka, the celebrated autochthonous grape variety of the Herzegovina Region. Its luminous straw-yellow color, tinged with a hint of green, beautifully mirrors its vibrant acidity. Prepare to be captivated by a symphony of flavors, from delicate notes of almonds, honey, and vanilla to refreshing bursts of citrus and herbs. With age, the wine unveils richer nutty nuances, showcasing the complexity of Žilavka. The origin of the name Žilavka remains shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to symbolize the "fine veins" visible within the grapes during full maturity, evident through their thick yet transparent skins. The wines crafted from Žilavka grapes embody strength, typically boasting alcohol content ranging from 12% to 14%. The balanced acidity, with 5 to 6 g/l, complements the total extract of 20 to 27 g/l, resulting in wines of remarkable depth and character. While pure expressions of Žilavka are common, it also harmonizes beautifully when blended with other indigenous grape varieties of the Herzegovina region, such as Krkošija and Bena. This collaboration creates exceptional wines that truly capture the essence of this extraordinary terroir. Indulge in the allure of Žilavka wines, raising your glass to the ancient heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of the Herzegovina Region. Immerse yourself in the flavors, stories, and traditions that make Žilavka a true emblem of this remarkable wine-growing destination.

Unveiling the Excellence of Blatina: A Red Wine of Distinction
Step into the world of Blatina, a premium-quality, dry red wine crafted from the very grapes that lend it their name. This autochthonous grape variety showcases a captivating dark ruby red color, drawing you in with its alluring warmth and aromatic blend of ripened fruits and spices. Prepare to indulge in a full, harmonious taste that weaves together earthy and fruity nuances, including notes of fig, plum, and tobacco, delicately balanced with a touch of minerality.
Blatina, being a functional female flower (auto-sterile), is always cultivated alongside other varieties such as Alicante bouschet (Kambuša), Merlot, and Trnjak. These companion varieties play a vital role in pollinating Blatina during its flowering period. The local name "praznobačva" (empty barrel) pays homage to the fact that without pollination, Blatina fails to bear fruits. This fascinating interplay of varieties contributes to the unique character of Blatina wines.
When harvested at optimal ripeness, Blatina wines boast alcohol content ranging from 12% to 13.5%. The balanced acidity, with 5 to 7 g/l, complements the total extract of 25 to 32 g/l, resulting in a wine that ages beautifully. Thanks to its acidity levels, Blatina can easily be cellared for 5 years or more, evolving in complexity and depth over time. Immerse yourself in the excellence of Blatina, raising your glass to the heritage and artistry of this remarkable red wine. Let the flavors, stories, and craftsmanship of Blatina transport you to the heart of the Herzegovina Region, where tradition and innovation intertwine to create wines of distinction.

Trnjak: Unveiling a Rare Jewel
Discover Trnjak, a rare and captivating grape variety cultivated in the Herzegovina Region and parts of Central Dalmatia in Croatia. While somewhat overlooked in Herzegovina's winemaking history, Trnjak has gained recognition for its exceptional qualities, contributing to both blended wines and exceptional varietal expressions. The clusters of Trnjak are short, medium-sized, pyramidal, and tightly packed. The round, medium-sized berries possess an alluringly dark blue hue, with firm and colorless flesh. When carefully vinified, Trnjak wines reveal remarkable characteristics.
Trnjak wines are known for their intense and characteristic dark ruby red color, thanks to the grape's deeply pigmented skin. Aromatically, they enthrall the senses with their dense complexity and captivating notes of ripe red fruits, balsamic undertones, and a touch of spices. In exceptional years, Trnjak grapes can accumulate a malt content of 20-24% in the must, showcasing the grape's impressive potential. Total acidity in the must typically ranges from 6 to 8 g/L, contributing to the wine's balanced structure. When carefully crafted, Trnjak produces wines that embody the essence of this rare jewel, capturing the region's unique terroir and heritage.
Indulge in the allure of Trnjak wines, appreciating their rarity and embracing the depth of flavors they offer. Raise your glass to the beauty of this exceptional grape variety and experience a journey that transports you to the heart of the Herzegovina Region's winemaking traditions.

Vranac: Unleashing the Power of the Deep-Red Elixir
Prepare to be enthralled by Vranac, a robust and vigorous grape variety that thrives in the vineyards of Montenegro, North Macedonia, Herzegovina, and Dalmatia. Known for its high yields, Vranac is not only prized for winemaking but also enjoyed as table grapes. The grape clusters of Vranac are notable for their size and egg-shaped form, accompanied by long stems. The berries themselves are plump, round, and adorned with a rich, dark blue skin that is both thin and smooth. This variety's cluster weights average between 150 to 350 grams, showcasing the abundance of this captivating grape.
When skillfully transformed into wine, Vranac unveils a deep-red elixir that captivates the palate. Embrace the flavors of blackberries and currants, cherries, and hints of chocolate and vanilla, as they interplay harmoniously. The wine's slightly bitter finish adds depth to its overall character, creating a truly unique tasting experience. With good and regular fertilization, Vranac grapes achieve optimal sugar levels ranging from 22% to 25%. Coupled with acidity levels of around 6 g/L, Vranac wines typically have an alcohol content of 12% to 13.5%, resulting in a wine that is both pleasurable and balanced.
While young Vranac wines boast a dark color, hinting at their robust structure, they surprise the palate with their medium-weight body, lively acidity, and supple tannins. This creates a wine of remarkable brightness and approachability. Unleash the power of Vranac, celebrating its captivating flavors and rich heritage. Raise your glass to this deep-red elixir, and allow it to transport you on a journey of intensity, vibrancy, and remarkable taste.

international varieties

International wine sorts list

– Cabernet Sauvignon
– Krkošija
– Plavac Mali
– Syrah
– Bena
– Chardonnay
– Sauvignon Blanc
– Kambuša
– Merlot
-Tamjanika