📍 Croatian Littoral

The Croatian Littoral is a wine zone on the northern Adriatic coast, around the Kvarner Gulf and on its islands. It is part of the Istria and Kvarner region. It includes the island of Krk, Cres, Rab and other islands and a narrow coastal strip. Vineyards lie on slopes above the sea, with views of mountains and islands.

The climate is Mediterranean, and the bora wind can be strong. Soils are limestone and stony, with red clay in places. Plots are small, and vines often grow on terraces enclosed by dry-stone walls.

The best-known grape is Žlahtina, a local white of the island of Krk, especially from the village of Vrbnik. Žlahtina gives light, fresh, aromatic wines with citrus acidity and goes well with fish and seafood. Red grapes grow here too and make light wines.

Littoral wines rarely leave the region and are mostly drunk in local taverns. To the north lies Istria, also known for white and red wines, and to the south Dalmatia. Žlahtina is served chilled with fish, shellfish and local goat cheese, or as an aperitif.