Bosnia Wine
What Are the Local Wines in Bosnia?
Over the last couple of years, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Bosnia. To maximize our enjoyment, we conducted a fair amount of research about Bosnia wine. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying these wines as soon as you arrive!
The most important thing to know is that Bosnia and Herzegovina has produced wine for centuries, with many vineyards dating back to the Roman Empire. Consequently, Bosnian wines are a hidden gem for wine lovers.
Bosnian red wines are typically made from Blatina and Vranac grapes. These wines are affordable and pair well with grilled meats. Most white wines are made from Zilavka grapes and pair well with trout from the Neretva River.
We’ll examine the country’s wine-growing regions and explore some local grape varieties. So, whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just looking to try something new, let’s raise a glass to Bosnia’s thriving wine scene!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Wine Regions in Bosnia
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with a rich history of wine production. Although the winemaking industry in the former Yugoslavia suffered during the wars of the 1990s, it has experienced rapid growth in recent years.
Herzegovina Wine Region
The Herzegovina wine region is the most famous and productive in the country, with vineyards located in lower-lying areas between the Adriatic coast and Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina. Wine production is mainly centered on two main hubs in Čitluk and Međugorje, both situated deep in the southwest near the border of Croatia.
The border area with Croatia is formed by the porous limestone Dinaric Alps, which are part of the Yugoslav karst region. The karst landscape and dry stony soils create a unique environment that produces some of the best wines in the region.
The vineyards are planted predominantly with Zilavka, a light-skinned grape variety noted for its high potential alcohol and acidity.
Northern Bosnia Wine Region
Northern Bosnia is the second most important wine region in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The climate of the Northern Bosnia wine region is temperate continental with hot summers and cold, dry winters. The soil is arid, which can make viticulture extremely challenging.
In the Northern Bosnia wine region, the most commonly grown grapes are the white Zilkava and the red Blatina, which cover 95% of the growing area.
Wine Varietals in Bosnia
In recent years, many native grapes from Bosnia have been introduced to the world, adding to the Balkan countries’ unique wine offerings.
Red Wine
Blatina
Blatina is a red wine grape variety primarily grown in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia. The wines produced from Blatina are typically full-bodied, dense, and concentrated with spice and coffee-tinged flavors.
Carska Vina’s Blatina, Premium Edition 2020 vintage was our favorite Bosnian wine. We also tried Brkic’s 2018 Plava Greda Blatina, which was very good.
Vranac
Vranac is a red grape variety grown in Herzegovina, among other Balkan countries.
It produces bright purple-colored and full-bodied red wines high in acidity and alcohol. Vranac is typically fruity with flavors of cherry and blackberry. It is best paired with red meat, game, lamb roast, and cured meat.
Vranac was always a reliable purchase during our time in Bosnia (and Croatia). It is a budget-friendly varietal and, as a result, we drank more than a couple of glasses.
Trnjak
Trnjak is an indigenous grape variety grown in the Herzegovina wine region. It is a full-bodied wine with typical notes of ripe red fruit and spices.
It is often grown with (and sometimes blended with) Blatina —a grape that only has functional female flowers and needs other grape varieties to pollinate.
White Wine
Zilavka
Žilavka, which means “strong roots,” can withstand high temperatures and drought. It is the best-known white grape variety in Bosnia.
The wines are typically bright, fresh, and acidic, with citrus and herbal notes.
FAQs About Bosnia Wine
Does Bosnia Have Good Wine?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a small but growing wine industry, with vineyards located primarily in the country’s southern regions. The country’s unique climate and soil conditions are said to produce some interesting and flavorful wines, particularly from indigenous grape varieties. Some popular grape varieties in Bosnia include Blatina, Vranac, Zilavka, and Krkosija. While the wine industry in Bosnia is still relatively small and unknown globally, it is worth exploring for wine enthusiasts looking to try something new and different.
What Are the Best Wines In Bosnia?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for producing high-quality wines made from indigenous grape varieties such as Blatina and Žilavka.
Brkić Winery has a reputation for being “the best red wine from the region.” Josip Brkic is the owner of the third-generation winery that produces completely organic wine. The winery focuses on producing wine from native grapes like Blatina and Žilavka. The winery is situated just outside the historic city of Mostar in Bosnia, an area known for its scenic beauty and high-quality wine production.
Other popular wineries in the area include Vinarija Čitluk and Vinarija Andrija. Also, the Tvrdoš Monastery near the city of Trebinje is one of the most renowned wine cellars in the country. All of these wineries offer wine tasting experiences.
Does Bosnia Produce Any Unique Types of Wine?
Bosnia is known for its production of plum wine, which is a traditional drink in the country. Plum wine is made from fermented plums and has a sweet and fruity flavor. It is usually served as an aperitif or dessert wine and pairs well with cheese and chocolate. The production of plum wine has a long history in Bosnia, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Today, many Bosnian winemakers continue to produce high-quality plum wine using traditional methods.
Another unique and flavorful wine is made from apricots. The apricot wine is made using locally grown apricots which are fermented and aged to create a deliciously fruity and slightly sweet wine. This wine pairs well with spicy foods and desserts, making it a great addition to any dinner party or special occasion. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking for something new and interesting to add to your wine collection.
Does Bosnia Produce Brandy?
Bosnia is known for its wine and brandy production. The Andelić family has been cultivating and producing wine and grape brandy of recognizable quality for more than a hundred years. Visitors can taste the wines made by monks in the cellars, including merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, vranac, and different varieties. Andelić owns about 30 hectares of vineyards located in Trebinje’s finest location. The brandy produced in this region is also famous worldwide.
Can you drink alcohol in Bosnia?
Yes, alcohol is legal and readily available in Bosnia. The legal drinking age is 18 years old, and there are many bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local beers, wines, and spirits. Of course, it is important to drink responsibly and obey local laws and customs when consuming alcoholic beverages in any country.