Beleca 2022

Originating from the Dalmatian coast, on the island of Hvar in Croatia, this white wine comes from the Tomic estate vineyards, planted on sun-drenched slopes overlooking the Adriatic. The plots benefit from a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and sea breezes that cool the vines. The predominantly limestone and stony soils promote deep root development and excellent aromatic concentration, while preserving a characteristic freshness. This combination of intense sunlight, varied terrain, and rocky landscape gives the wine a distinctly maritime and mineral character.

The grapes are harvested by hand and then quickly transported to the winery, where they are gently pressed to preserve their aromatic freshness. The must is then clarified before undergoing controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to maintain varietal expression and fruit purity. Aging continues on fine lees, also in stainless steel tanks, with moderate stirring to add volume and complexity without altering the wine's vibrancy and maritime character.

This wine reveals notes of white-fleshed fruit , stone fruit , and ripe citrus, complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle mineral dimension reminiscent of warm stone and sea breezes. Lightly herbaceous nuances add complexity without overpowering the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is ample yet taut, driven by a lively and balanced acidity, with a supple texture, beautiful purity of flavor, and a persistent, saline, and refreshing finish that begs for another glass.

While Croatia is a relatively young state, it is a very old wine-producing country. Wine in Croatia has a long, long history. Vines have been cultivated there since antiquity. They were introduced around five centuries BC by the Greeks, who planted the first vines in southern Dalmatia, particularly on islands ill-suited to other forms of agriculture, with their rocky slopes plunging steeply into an indigo sea. Today, winemaking is experiencing a renaissance, a direct result of independence achieved just over 25 years ago (June 21, 1991). This has allowed the emergence of a young and dynamic generation of winemakers firmly committed to reviving a thousand-year-old tradition that was in peril. As in France, wines are strictly labeled according to their origin. There are some 300 official wine regions, generally divided into coastal and inland wines. The majority of wines are white and produced inland, while red wines are produced along the coast. Although there are hundreds of grape varieties in Croatia, experts agree that the Plavac Mali red grape produces the best red wine. Plavac Mali is genetically identical to the Zinfandel grape, which clearly originated in Croatia, not Italy as was long believed. Croatia's sparkling Prosecco wine is made from the Bogdanusa white grape. Malvazija from Istria and Posip from Korčula produce Croatia's most renowned white wines.