December 10, 2019 – At the brand new International Business Hotel in Zagreb, not far from Zagreb’s Franjo Tuđman airport, Jakopić wines from the Međimurje region were recently presented in all their rather unexpected glory. Especially for those who haven’t been previously acquainted with this extraordinary winery and its products.
The owner, Branimir Jakopić was present, but the tasting paired with food was conducted by the internationally renowned sommelier Siniša Lasan, presently working in Dubrovnik’s Proto restaurant. This was an evening, or rather, afternoon, not a dinner – not a conventional tasting – but an interesting combination between a modern and brand new business hotel, great Jakopić wines and delicious food signed by the talented chef Hrvoje Nakića. Actually, a unique and hedonistic prelude to the X-mas atmosphere ahead of us.
The wine varieties that have been presented were mostly typical Međimurje wines like Pušipel but also Graševina, Rajnski Riesling, Sauvignon, Silvanac zeleni and Muškat žuti were on offer. Jakopić wines have already been internationally recognized in the last three years – as top quality wines and awarded with platinum and gold at Decanter World Wine Awards, so it was worth a try! It has to be said that the tastes and aromas of this very impressive tasting were appreciated by the audience consisting exclusively of connaisseurs and wines professionals, wine critics and journalists.
This was largely thanks to the professional and inspiring presentation by Siniša Lasan (ASI Gold Certificate, Advanced Sommelier, CMS, WSET 3) who was also national sommelier champion in Croatia (2019., 2017.and 2014.) and who more than successfully managed to convey all the nuances of the wines presented. First, as an aperitif, the sparling Jakopić wine by the name Jakopić Terbotz 2018 was presented (and admired by the majority of the guests) – as well as Jakopić Mlado Međimurje 2019 wine.
The modern and very light Pušipel Classic 2018, with prevailing aromas of green apple, citrus and tropical fruit was a nice match for gambero rosso, cucumber in rice vinegar, tapioca cracker and lime. The freshness and minerality of Jakopić Sauvignon 2017 were nicely and masterfully pronounced when served along with octopus, tomato gel, parsley oil and a special cream made of garlic cooked seven times. Chef Hrvoje Nakić served veal risotto, parmesan cracker capers alongside Jakopić Rosé 2017, beautiful wine with the aromas of strawberry, violet and berries. Jakopić Rajnski riesling 2016, with slight petroleum notes but fruity in its character was a nice companion to dumplings made of beef cheeks, liquid potatoes and homemade potato chips.
With the desert, a reduction of raspberry vinegar, rose pepper, grilled goat curd and raspberry jam – mature, wine Jakopić Muškat žuti 2017 was served and everybody agreed on its honey, yellow flowers, peach and apricot aromas and flavours.
All in all, the tasting was a great success, approved by all, and the proverbial “cherry on the top” came at the end: Jakopić Graševina, izborna berba prosušenih bobica 2015, the wine that won the platinum award at Decanter World Wine Awards 2017.
All photos by Vigor Klaic
To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
