Graševina

Graševina is a white wine grape variety that is primarily grown in Croatia, but can also be found in other parts of Central Europe and the Danube regions. It is known by various names in different regions, such as Welschriesling in Austria, Riesling Italico in Italy, and Olaszrizling in Hungary. Despite the name, it is not related to the Rhine Riesling (Riesling) grape.

History

The origins of Graševina are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and was brought to Central Europe by the Romans. The name "Graševina" is derived from the Croatian word "grašak", meaning "pea", referring to the small, pea-like berries of the grape.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Graševina is a hardy grape variety that can withstand harsh winter conditions and is resistant to many common grape diseases. It is typically harvested in late September or early October. The grapes are usually hand-picked and then pressed to extract the juice. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the fresh, fruity characteristics of the grape.

The resulting wine is typically light to medium-bodied with high acidity and flavors of green apple, citrus, and floral notes. It can be made in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet, and is often used to make sparkling wines.

Regions

While Graševina is grown in several countries in Central Europe and the Danube regions, it is most commonly associated with Croatia, where it is the most widely planted white grape variety. It is particularly prevalent in the Slavonia and Danube regions of Croatia.

In Austria, it is known as Welschriesling and is often used to make sweet dessert wines. In Hungary, where it is known as Olaszrizling, it is used to make both dry and sweet wines.

Food Pairing

Graševina wines are versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited to seafood, poultry, and light pasta dishes. The high acidity of the wine also makes it a good match for rich, creamy sauces.

See Also

• Wine
• Viticulture
• Winemaking
• Croatian wine
• Austrian wine
• Hungarian wine