ŠkrletOVO, a half-day event dedicated to this variety was held on Saturday in Ivanić-Grad, a half hour east from Zagreb. Ivanić-Grad Mayor Bojan Leš opened the event emphasizing the great importance of Škrlet in further development of tourism of Ivanić-Grad and Moslavina. The expert part of ŠkrletOVO brought together 70 participants, representatives of experts, local and regional administration, distributors, journalists and wine admirers.
In 2005 winemakers participated in the prestigious International One Challenge where wines from Škrlet were highly praised. The Winemaking Institute and Faculty of Agronomics, together with relevant institutions have decided on a large European project – they picked the oldest vines among Škrlet plantations and monitored their development. After 12 years they produced seeds and protected certified material – which means it is the first white indigenous variety in Croatia with such a certificate. In order to be stronger on the market, 8 winemakers bonded in an association to jointly promote this variety around Europe. The winemakers are: Florijanović, Ilovčak, Jaram, Kezele, Miklaužić, Mikša, Trdenić and Voštinić-Klasnić.
“Škrlet is one of the most significant white indigenous varieties of continental Croatia, especially considering its quality potential. Thanks to the advanced technology of genetics and the seed material procured through clone selection, winemakers form this area have an advantage compared to colleagues in other regions and we hope they use it well,” stated doc.dr.sc. Darko Preiner from the Zagreb Faculty of Agronomics during a science-expert panel discussion “Potential of Škrlet in a Glass.”
At the panel, participants discussed the potential of this vine variety, comparing it to other important varieties and proposing further actions in order for Škrlet to show its full potential on the increasingly more demanding wine market.
A total of 20 scientists and 7 doctors of science worked on this project. Scientists from the Winemaking and Vine Growing Institute of the Zagreb Faculty of Agronomics and their guest oenologists are continually working to help winemakers increase growth of sales.
Visitors were able to taste wines and talk to producers in order to get better acquainted with this variety. Along with Škrlets from the regular 2017 harvest, special wines from Škrlet were also introduced: late harvest Škrlet, orange, aged, even sparkling. In order for it to be a true wine party, visitors were entertained by the “Fine & Jazzy Bouquet.”
Organizers are hoping this year’s ŠkrletOVO will aid in the further positioning of this valuable indigenous variety on the Croatian wine map. The event was organized by the Škrlet Moslavina association and the tourism board and town of Ivanić-Grad.
Translated from Večernji List, for the original click here.
