Croatian Fine Wines bolsters UK reach

Croatian Fine Wines has acquired Croatian Wines Direct with the aim of establishing itself as the focal point for Croatian wines in the UK.

Coastline along the Pelješac peninsular in Croatia

The move will see Croatian Fine Wines’ 40-strong portfolio of Croatian wines across four regions available in the UK expand even further to include wines from Istria and Dalmatia.

Mark Roberts, managing director, purchased Croatian Fine Wines in October 2013. Its acquisition of Croatian Wines Direct, another company which imports and retails Croatian wines in the UK, will see Feravino, Crnko and Bolfan added to its stable of producers.

Roberts said: “There is an increasing buzz about Croatian wines in the UK, as more and more people become aware of this region. There is a developing market for Croatian wines in the UK, simply because the quality and value proposition is so strong.

“There is still a big gap to be breached in terms of awareness of Croatian wines amongst consumers and the trade, but with more people experiencing Croatia as a fantastic gourmet, wine, culture and beautiful holiday destination this will increase demand as well as the wine selling its self on tasting.”

New wines set to be made available include a 2012 single estate sparkling wine made from a blend of Malvazija Istarska, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and three wines from Vina Matšuko in Potomje in the Pelješac Peninsular, made from the Plavac Mali grape.