Classification
In 1961, Dingač and then in 1967, Postup were registered for Yugoslav state protection. The Croatian Institute of Viticulture and Enology was set up in 1996 to oversee the country's wine industry, and be responsible for regulating wine-growing and wine production. Standards, similar to the EU wine regulations were set up, to ensure the consistent quality of the final product.
Croatian wines are classified by quality, which is clearly marked on the label.
- Vrhunsko Vino: Premium Quality Wine
- Kvalitetno Vino: Quality Wine
- Stolno Vino: Table Wine
In addition, wines may qualify for a geographical origin stamp, if it is produced from grapes grown in the same wine-growing region. The definition becomes stricter for higher quality classifications, so that a premium quality wine with geographical origin stamp must meet criteria for the type of grape, the position in the vinogorije (wine-growing hill) with the distinct quality and characteristics for the varietal. If the wine has a grape varietal stamp, it must be at least 85% of the grape type whose name it carries. Distinctive quality wines are the wines that have a special quality, attained in certain years, in special conditions of maturation, manner of harvesting and processing, and have to be produced only from the recommended sorts of grape for the particular wine-growing hills.
Wines qualifying for a vintage designation, known as Arhiv must be kept in cellar conditions longer than its optimal maturation period, and not less than 5 years from the day of processing grape into wine, of which at least 3 years in a bottle.
- Suho: Dry
- Polusuho: Semi-dry
- Slatko: Sweet
- Bijelo: White
- Crno: Red (literally Black)
- Rosa: Rose
- Prošek: Dalmatian dessert wine made from dried grapes. Similar to Italian Vin Santo
Read more about this topic: Croatian Wine