Enjingi Grasevina 2022

Enjingi Winery’s 100% graševina (also known as welschriesling) stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Croatian winemaker Ivan Enjingi. Hailing from the Kutjevo region in Slavonia, this dry white wine showcases the unique terroir of the area. The vineyard is planted on southern-facing slopes, bathed in sunlight and cooled by constant breezes. The soil is a rare mix of volcanic, sandy earth interspersed with white clay stones and a slate-granite bedrock, providing an ideal foundation for the graševina variety. With a continental climate marked by hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, these conditions contribute to a slow ripening process, allowing for a perfect balance of acidity and complexity in the final wine.

Produced in limited quantities, around 100,000 bottles annually, this wine reflects Enjingi’s commitment to organic farming. Hand-harvested and gently de-stemmed, the wine undergoes a little more than 48 hours of maceration on the skins before spontaneous fermentation at a controlled temperature in stainless steel and plastic vats. The wine is aged for 12 to 24 months in a combination of stainless steel and handmade Slavonian oak barrels, giving it both freshness and a subtle depth. Not filtered before bottling, it retains its natural essence, making it a genuine representation of its origins.

The tasting experience is one of complexity and balance, with herbal and petrol notes on the nose, layered over ripe autumn fruits and an unmistakable minerality. Despite its richness, the wine maintains a surprising freshness, supported by lively acidity. This structure allows it to pair seamlessly with a wide range of dishes, from lentils to fish or meat, proving that with proper care, even a white wine can be age-worthy. At an accessible price point, this graševina offers a glimpse into the potential for Croatian wines to make a mark on the international stage. The Enjingi family celebrates well over 117 years of winemaking. No matter how strongly they follow their own tradition, their success turns to be a modern guide in the whole wine-growing area.