Vinarija Lagradi – 'Love for wine and positive feelings is the energy driving us every day'

It happened many years ago, while we still lived in the former country. As a young army rookie, during my first leave I travelled on the unknown road across Plešivica. And when I crossed the saddle, a sea suddenly appeared in front of me - not a sea of golden wheat fields like in my native Slavonia, but a sea of hills in the sun, full of high autumn colours. I was amazed. At that time I could not even imagine that one day I would be building Lagradi winery, but I knew that those hills had captivated me forever... – Ivan Velikanović

Lagradi Estate is a family-owned boutique winery that farms 6 hectares of vineyards. All of their wines come from the estate to ensure the highest quality every step of the way, from vineyard to bottle. Lagradi uses a combination of natural wine production and aging methods and modern technology to make local and international wines like Chardonnay, Graševina, Manzoni Bianco, Muscat Lagradi, Pinot Gris, Portugizac (Portugieser) Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Silvanac Zeleni (Green Silvaner), as well as white and red blends like Dona and Don.

Dona Lagradi 2021, Plešivica, Croatia
Pucker up, buttercup – this is your succulent sip of Croatia

From the hills of Plešivica comes Dona Lagradi, the winery’s cool-climate, one-of-a-kind white blend of Graševina, Riesling, Incrocio Manzoni (cross between Riesling Renano and Pinot Blanc) and Silvanac Zeleni (Green Sylvaner). It’s reminiscent of a fresh fruit salad – think zesty grapefruit, crisp green apple, and juicy peach. Its lively acidity calls for grilled fish, salads topped with salmon or tuna, sauerkraut, chicken, duck, even charcuterie and creamy cheeses.

Dona Lagradi 2021, Plešivica, Croatia
Croatia’s only Dornfelder-based red

Lagradi’s winemaker Ivan Velikanović is the only one permitted to make Dornfelder in Croatia. The winery added this variety just for him – and it thrives on the sunny Plešivica hillsides. In this blend, it joins Portugizac (Portugieser) and Cabernet Mitos (a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Blaufränkisch) to make a bright, cool-climate red teeming with vibrant red berry aromas and flavors. It’s silky-smooth and juicy – the perfect summer red. Serve cool at around 16°C and pair this with poultry, pasta, pizza, and young cheeses.

Photo Credits: Lagradi Estate.
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