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www.buyersandcellars.ca Cellar Profile
Feravino was established in the 1700s but these vineyards have been farmed since the 1300s, when the region was put to vine by the Cistercians and Templars. The current cellar was built in 1804 and refurbished in 1996. The vineyards now span 150 hectares, split evenly between white and red grapes with the majority trained via the double Guyot method. The vineyards are uniquely surrounded by forests, a significant moderator for the area’s hot, dry summers. The winery focuses on indigenous Frankovka (Blaufränkisch) and Graševina, varieties that express the winery’s terroir and make full, flavourful and balanced wines. The grapes are all hand-harvested and intervention throughout the winemaking process is kept to a minimum. These wines have modern richness coupled with Old World sensibilities and charm. Part of the larger Osijek-Baranja County, Feričanci is one of Croatia’s smallest wine growing regions. It has a rich agricultural history, with grape-growing having played a prominent role throughout the centuries. The region’s Continental climate and cool soils provide the framework for flavourful, food-friendly wines made for every occasion.
Region
Feričanci municipality is located in the western part of Osijek- Baranja county. The Mur river marks the northern edge of the region until it flows into the Drava, the longest of the Danube’s tributaries. The Slavonia (Slavonija) region of Croatia has a moderate , bordering on cool, Continental climate, with the Danube, Drava and Sava Rivers providing micro-climates needed for wine production. Loam and clay soils predominate, however the region is long known for crafting affordable, aromatic wines from its more fertile soils. Wineries here specialize in white wines and early ripening, lighter-bodied reds. Grasevina — commonly known as Welschriesling outside of Croatia — is by far the most widely-planted variety. You will also find Pinot Bijeli (Pinot Blanc) and Chardonnay in whites, and cool climate reds such as Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt. Autumn is generally warmer than the spring, and grapes enjoy long hang times to garner complexity prior to harvest. Modern winemakers have found site-specific areas to make internationally renowned, elegant wines, that focus on acidity and balance.
Vineyard
Feravino owns 160 hectares of vines, in three locations: Feričanci, Zoljan and Ceremošnjak . All locations are located on the slopes of Krndija Mountain and divided into small micro-locations separated by woods and other natural barriers. Grapes for the Miraz wines are sourced primarily from the Feričanci vineyards, where old vines are rooted in loam and clay.
Varieties
Frankovka (Blaufränkisch) wines are intensely colored, medium-bodied reds with brooding, black-fruit flavors and a hint of peppery spice. In the vineyard, Frankovka buds early, ripens late and delivers generous yields. It needs a warm environment to fully mature, which explains its place in wine regions close to the heat of the Pannonian Plain in Central Europe. Thought to have originated in Austria and brought to the Slavonia region at the end of the 18th century, Frankovka became domesticated on Slavonian hills where it found its new home.
Winemaking
Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted before being crushed into stainless steel tanks for cool maceration, followed by a slow temperature-controlled fermentation. After malolactic conversion is complete, the wine is transferred into a combination of new and used 500L barrels for almost two years of aging before being bottled, where it rests for another year before release.
Tasting Notes
Aromatic and inviting on the nose, with notes of blackberry, red currant, black tea and cinnamon. Despite its 14% alcohol, the palate is medium-bodied, balanced deftly by a healthy dose of acidity. The tannins are supple and evolved, but with enough backbone to allow for more evolution. The primary fruits continue on the palate, with sweet raspberry notes and a savoury, umami touch that makes this wine complex and a lot of fun to drink. Serve at cellar temperature alongside dried spicy sausages, aged cheddar or beef tacos.