Iuris Pinot Noir 2016

Drink now through to 2025. Decant 1 hour before serving.

Pinot Noir might sound like an unusual choice of grape for a Croatian winemaker, but for the maverick Domagoj Klasiček it’s second nature. Domagoj earned his winemaking stripes while working for top Bordeaux estates like Chateau Margaux and Cheval Blanc and it was there that he realised the potential of French varietals to challenge the traditional dominance of white wines in Croatia.

Returning home after the vicious Croatian-Serbian war, Domagoj boldy began planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir in his father’s vineyards. Over the years his reds have won considerable critical acclaim internationally and convinced many fellow Croats to experiment with alternative grape varieties.

Domagoj’s Pinot Noir is a charming composition of French elegance and winemaking techniques along with distinctive minerality from the Danubian terroir. Use of large 500 litre barrels made with Slavonian and American oak help the wine to evolve without overpowering the delicate Pinot. This helps to showcase the classic Pinot aromas like red cherries and earthy, herbal notes which carry through onto the palate. The first sip reveals a silky smooth texture and gentle tannins along with distinctive hints of oregano and mint which would make this bottle the perfect partner for pasta or pizza dishes garnished with basil or lamb served with a fresh mint sauce.