# Vuina Crljenak Štafileo (2018)

- **Producer:** Vina Vuina
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Crljenak Kaštelanski
- **Region:** Dalmatia, Croatia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, chocolate, cedar, cloves, dried cranberry, leather

## About this wine

Vina Vuina is a pioneer in the Kaštela region of Dalmatia, led by winemaker Neven Vuina. The winery is renowned for its role in reviving Crljenak Kaštelanski, the ancient grape variety native to Kaštela Bay that DNA testing confirmed in 2001 to be identical to California Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo. The cuvée Štafileo pays homage to Neven's home town, Kaštel Štafilić, where vines thrive on the mineral-rich karst slopes of Mount Kozjak.

## Interesting facts

- DNA testing in 2001 confirmed Crljenak Kaštelanski is the original genetic parent of Zinfandel.
- The name Štafileo pays homage to the winemaker's hometown of Kaštel Štafilić.
- Only around 2,000 bottles of this flagship cuvée are produced each year.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied, rich red wine requires robust dishes with high protein and rich savory fats to match its concentration, high alcohol, and structured tannins. Slow-braised beef, game, and aged cheeses balance the wine's intensity, while the wine's fresh acidity cuts cleanly through rich meats.

## Wine making process

Harvested by hand from low-yielding vineyards on Mount Kozjak, the grapes undergo traditional maceration and temperature-controlled fermentation to maximize aromatic concentration and extract fine, supple tannins. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels to develop structure and integration prior to bottle release in small artisanal quantities.