# Pinot Crni (NV)

- **Producer:** Krauthaker
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Kontinentalna Hrvatska, Croatia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, cherry, plum, violet, redcurrant, vanilla, cloves, cedar, toast, forest floor, wet leaves, mushroom, game

## About this wine

Krauthaker Pinot Crni is produced in the historic Kutjevo valley, historically known as Vallis Aurea (Golden Valley) since Roman times. Founded in 1992 by legendary agronomist and enologist Vlado Krauthaker, the estate has played a pivotal role in reviving the winemaking reputation of Slavonia. The vineyards are situated on the southern slopes of the Papuk and Krndija mountains, where they benefit from a unique microclimate characterized by warm, sunny days and cool night breezes blowing off the surrounding forests, which helps preserve the delicate, perfumed aromatics of the Pinot Noir grape.

## Interesting facts

- Founder Vlado Krauthaker is a legendary Croatian agronomist who helped put the Kutjevo region back on the international wine map.
- The vineyards benefit from cool night winds blowing off the nearby Papuk and Krndija forest-covered mountains.
- Vallis Aurea (Golden Valley) was the name given to the Kutjevo valley by the ancient Romans due to its highly fertile soils and ideal climate.

## Food pairing

Pinot Noir's high acidity and moderate tannins make it incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with fatty fish like salmon, poultry like duck, and earthy dishes featuring mushrooms, which complement the wine's subtle forest floor notes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Krauthaker Pinot Crni focuses on preserving the delicate primary fruit characteristics of the Pinot Noir grape while adding structural complexity. Grapes are carefully selected and hand-harvested. Fermentation takes place under temperature-controlled conditions in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness, followed by aging in a combination of large traditional Slavonian oak casks and smaller barriques. This oak aging rounds out the tannins and introduces subtle spicy complexities without overpowering the grape's natural elegance.