Vinas Mora 'Kaamen I' Croatia Red 2021

Press 2 • October 2023 Direct Press Selection

For the Kaamen I Kreso Petrekovic teamed up with local couple 

Josipa and Neno Marinov who had been making wine with traditional methods that had been passed down to them through the generations. Together they jumped on the opportunity to revive the abandoned winemaking facilities of a local co-op. 

The vines of this Babić are close to the Adriatic Sea in extraordinarily rocky terrain just above sea level. The vines range between 30-50 years old here and have been cared for impeccably following biodynamic practices. The wine is bottled after a year of aging in a mix of fiberglass tank and neutral barrel. It is unfined and unfiltered with the smallest amount of sulfur possible.

Picked at the end of October, this wine enjoys a super long ripening season but still has low alcohol and a crunchy cranberry snap that is far lighter than you would expect for a coastal red. There are some great aromatics here with black pepper, fresh herbs, and a mix of macerated black and purple fruits jumping out at me. On the palate I picked up black cherry, black pepper, and a heap of earthy minerality. I'd say this is reminiscent of some classic Croatian red wines with more nuance, focus, and a healthy dose of energy. Jeremy Hernandez