The New Old World
September / October 2025
DISCOVER KUTJEVO
This month we invite you back to Slavonia to discover the Empress collection of wines from Kutjevo winery.
Enjoy this bumper pack to celebrate the end of summer and welcome in the fall!
All wines are currently available in LCBO's across Ontario, just in case you discover your new everyday favourite!
THE WINEMAKERS
The oldest wine cellars in Croatia came into existence in 1232, when the Cistercian Monks arrived in Kutjevo. The very same order of monks had started the wine culture in Burgundy - famously recognizing and establishing numerous Grand Cru locations in one of France's wine heartlands - and in the Mosel Valley, before hand-selecting Kutjevo as an ideal location for the planting of vines. Soon after, the abbey and cellars were established, wine-making traditions and techniques were institutionalized, and the rest is history ...
Today, Kutjevo Winery is one of the largest in Croatia, boasting vineyards in the premium positions around Kutjevo's Golden Valley: positions that first attracted those wine-loving monks all those centuries ago.
Steeped in history, Kutjevo recognizes the importance of evolution, and has recently brought in a new generation of winemakers who are both embracing tradition whilst also looking to innovate and create a new and exciting chapter. Their ongoing success is demonstrated by a consistent stream of international awards (Decanter World Wine Awards and Mundus Vini) across many products and price categories.
THE WINERY
Jancis Robinson, in her co-authored tome Wine Grapes calls out Slavonia, and more precisely Kutjevo, as one of the best Graševina producing regions globally. So what is it exactly that makes this region, and more specifically, the graševina from this region, so very special?
Located on the famous 45th parallel (think Bordeaux, Piedmont) in the vast expanse of the low-lying Pannonian Basin, the Golden Valley of Kutjevo could be likened to a needle in a haystack. Hills in this area are a rarity, let alone mountains, and Kutjevo is blessed with a ring of them. Rising 300 - 400 metres above sea level, their southern facing, sun drenched, mineral rich slopes form a unique micro-climate, and one that benefits from daily breezes to keep disease at bay.
In the midst of the generally cool, dry continental climate of the broader region, many argue that it is here, and only here, that you will find the optimal conditions for growing graševina. A deeply versatile grape, Kutjevo has a vast array of Graševina wines in their portfolio, from the sparkling cremant, to fresh, off dry, all the way across the spectrum to some spectacular ice wines. Ivan Marinclin, chief white wine oenologist at the winery, proudly claims that the grape is so versatile that you can easily pair a different wine with every course!
Although Graševina is undoubtedly the darling of Slovenia, their portfolio extends beyond this one variety. Red grapes also fare well in this continental climate, and they have a broad selection of both international and regional European varieties, including Zweigelt and Alicante Bouschet, which they work with, largely in blends.
THE WINES
This month's selection is comprised of the 3 wines from the Empress line - one white, one rosé and one red blend.
EMPRESS WHITE
EMPRESS WHITE - GRAŠEVINA
Graševina, also known as welschriesling, borba, laški riesling and riesling italico, is the most widely planted white grape in Croatia, and it can be found across many parts of central Europe.
The best quality grapes are arguably grown in the Slavonia region of inland Croatia.
A very versatile grape, it can be the feature grape in a Cremant - traditional method sparkling wine (as it is here), but also produces fresh and oak aged wines, as well as late harvest and ice-wines.
For Empress Graševina, grapes are selected from premium plots at up to 400m elevation. Yields are controlled to optimize quality. The wine goes through classic controlled fermentation and vinification in stainless steel, producing a fresh, fruity and vibrant take on the darling of Slavonia.
TASTING NOTES
"Inviting aromatics of apple and lie lead through to a palate of guava, melon, dried herb and a fine salinity."
Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 Silver Medal Winner (90 pts)
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
Best served at 10 - 12°C.
PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
A perfect partner for octopus salad and assorted seafood dishes.
EMPRESS ROSÉ
EMPRESS ROSÉ
A light yet dynamic rosé composed of a blend of Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Lively and fresh, with generous strawberry and raspberry and a tangy, food-friendly acidity.
The wine goes through classic controlled fermentation and vinification is in stainless steel.
TASTING NOTES
"Here’s un unexpectedly lovely and delicious Croatian Rosé from the Slavonian Danube - Kutjevo Vineyard made with zweigelt, syrah and cabernet sauvignon. A perfect mix and usage of ripe, not quite as ripe and maybe even less than perfectly ripe red grapes triaged for fun, energy and happiness. Ideal mix of tart and fruity, herbal and rustic, sweetly funky and joyous. Hits the spot."
Michael Godel - Wine Align (88 pts)
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
Chill well, to 10 - 12°C.
PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
A great aperitif and a perfect summer wine by glass.
Pair with salmon sushi or grilled asparagus.
EMPRESS RED
EMPRESS RED
A unique 5 grape blend featuring a selection of international and regional varieties - Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zweigelt & Alicante Bouschet. The result is an easy drinking, medium weight, juicy red - perfect for late summer and early fall evenings.
TASTING NOTES
"The Slavonia/Danube/Kutjevo Vineyard red is a blend of zweigelt, cabernet sauvignon, alicante, syrah and cabernet franc. Fresh, spirited, open and clean with a decidedly international experience on hand. The origin feels a bit blurred but that seems to be the least important aspect of the wine. What counts is the juiciness and offer of immediate gratification."
Michael Godel - Wine Align (87 pts)
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
14 - 16 ° C
PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
A good and easy drinking barbecue partner for burgers, grilled meats and charcuterie.