European Federation for Biotechnology (EFB) is the chief institution for the fermentation technology and applied microbiology in Europe. It organises biannually the main global doctoral convention EFB Bioprocess Engineering Course (EFB BEC), and thanks to mainly prof.dr. Marin Berovič, Ljubljana resident of Šibenik roots, EFB has been holding the BEC, with the logistical support of the Zagreb agency GlobTour events, in Croatia, specifically on Brač island. Until now this respectable meeting has been held many times in Supetar, but now in September 2016, it took place in Bol, at the Elaphusa hotel. The weather was mostly sunny, so biotechnology professors from several European countries and some 80 post-graduates from around the world could – although free time was sparse . enjoy the beauty of Bol, especially the Golden Cape phenomenon. One afternoon in the sven day stay was spent on a tour of Palmižana and Hvar, which certainly enrichened the impression.
“The programme at BEC includes, naturally, content from wine making technologies, but also lessons in tasting and rating wine,” said prof.dr. Berovič from Ljubljana University and added: “We devote an entire day to wine. When rating Bakh’s nectar, under OIV criteria, professors are reviewers, the jury usually consists of nine members, while the post-graduates are the audience, but an active audience, they also taste samples being rated, so in a way they can participate in the wine rating. The jury had seven professor this time, one each from Denmark, Netherlands and Slovenia and two each from Germany and Great Britain. In the hall is a large screen where the ratings were visible right away and the final score. After tasting each group of samples the jury president gives a brief comment, so from the rating and that reflection graduates can learn where they are in their opinion and judgment of wines.
Tastings are always on a topic, such as still wines, sparkling wines, white wines or rose or red, mixed domestic and international wines, but from the same sort etc. This year the tasting and rating, in two groups, covered the best Croatian rose sparkling wines made in the classic, traditional method and still Pinot Neros. At the beginning of our time on Brač we tasted various foreign wines, then confronted wines of best Slovenian and Croatian producers, and lately we have focused completely on Croatian wines, which is quite logical as the convention takes place in Croatia. I believe this is a good opportunity for a good image of the quality of Croatian wine to be shown to the world. Several years ago the World in a Glass magazine presented an up-to-date situation in the Croatian wine sector and this year we e-mailed participants an updated presentation. The international commission decided that the champion among sparkling wines is the Šember Rose Brut, with a total of 91.14 points. As the champion Šember received a Golden Plaque of EFB BEC. A notch below was Rose Brut Tomac with 90.86 points. Only those two sparklings passed the 90 point mark. Other sparklings received from 86 to 88 points. In the Pinot Nero group the champion was Pinot Nero 2012 Goldberg Belje which won 92 points. Others were in the range from 86.29 to 90.43 points. EFB awards the best rated samples awards, specifically the Golden Plaque EFB to two group champions and medals to others.
Trophies will be handed out at the wine and culinary festival Zagreb Vino.com in the Zagreb Esplanade hotel at the end of November 2016.
The Šember family from Donji Pavlovčani near Jastrebarsko has plenty to celebrate these days: good harvest from all sides! Indian summer brought them plenty of pleasure: they are very satisfied with the grapes they just harvested, then there is the champion title from Bol and as crown to it all – the successful final exam of Nikola Šember at the Faculty of Agronomics! Father Zdenko, mother Ivanka and sister Lucija, the current wine queen of Zagreb County and grandparents too, are overjoyed. Awards keep coming and after grandfather Stjepana and father Zdenko the new generation is ready to continue and advance the family business! When Lucija completes her study of economics, who will compete with the Šember’s in many areas. A toast at the Šember’s with the champion Rose Brut and Amfora Pinto Nero which was Nikola’s master’s thesis.
For the original and more from Suhi u Čaši blog on wine, click here.
