Punta Skala Crljenak 2016

Crljenak is the oldest recorded name for the variety, was a relatively obscure and almost forgotten Croatian grape until it was revealed that Crljenak was closely related to Plavac mali, the flagship Croatian grape and that it enjoys immense international popularity under its better-known synonyms, Primitivo in Italy and as Zinfandel in the United States. Crljenak hails from Dalmatia, where it was once a very common grape, but it almost disappeared from the region after phylloxera. The grape was probably transported to Italy in the 18th century, and then it was brought to the States, where it was introduced as Zinfandel.

The discovery of its parentage was made in 2001. Before that, it was mainly considered that Zinfandel is a signature American grape + native to the region. Despite the same genes, the grape creates different flavour profiles. Croatian Crljenak is a full-bodied wine, usually with an intense dark red colour. It is high in alcohol and tannins, with well-balanced acidity and notes reminiscent of red and dark berries such as blackberries and blueberries, along with some licorice and spice notes. These wines would pair well with red meat, and game and they could also work with tuna.