The joys of living in a small community.
One of the things I like most about life in Jelsa is observing the small local community in action. The political intrigue of local politicians in one cafe, the postman interrupting his round for a quick pint on the square – that kind of thing.
It is also a very informal way of life, much more so than back in the UK. I no longer bring my pint into the bank (it used to help a lot with the waiting times…), but I have become used to the very relaxed approach to most things in life here, and it would be difficult to have to go back to life in Britain.
So when I popped down for a late morning meeting over a cold one yesterday, I was not surprised to be approached by one of Jelsa’s best wine makers, offering me the chance to taste his new vintage. I would love, I explained, but I could not come to his cellar now, as I had a meeting. Not a problem, the wine is here, I will just get you a glass.
And so I tasted the 2013 vintage of Teo Huljic for the first time. And much like the Plancic Bogdanusa a couple of weeks ago, a really fruity aroma, and already a very nice wine. I am beginning to wonder if the grapes for the 2013 harvest were magical – the early impressions of the young wines have been very positive to my, admittedly, over-sopisticated palate.
My only advice is not to try the wines with a Karlovacko chaser, as I did yesterday.
Teo has plans to develop his wine tasting basement – it is already pretty impressive. And don’t miss his very quirky restaurant in the heart of the old town of Jelsa, complete with uneven stone tables and falling lemons – check out this visit last summer.
