Lasina – The Dalmatian Pinot Noir

Croatia is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world. The country’s winemaking traditions originated in Dalmatia where the Greeks settled in the 5th century B.C., bringing their winemaking and viticultural customs with them. This region includes Croatia’s southern strip of land nestled between the Adriatic Sea and Bosnia and Herzegovina, plus some islands, too. They established vineyards on the islands of Hvar and Vis renowned for producing top quality wines. Today, modern winemaking in Dalmatia continues to elevate Croatian wines on the international market with particular emphasis on indigenous Croatia varieties. Lasina is one of Dalmatia’s rarest native varieties, cultivated around a 50km radius near Skradin in central Dalmatia.

The Variety: Lasina

Most red wines in Croatia are bold and full bodied with high tannin and low acidity. Yet Lasina produces unique wines that are distinctively the opposite of what we’ve come to expect from Croatian reds. Single-varietal Lasina wines are light to medium bodied with low tannin and high, tangy acidity. This is why many refer to Lasina as the Pinot Noir of Dalmatia. These wines are characterized by their elegance and noteworthy flavors. However, single-varietal Lasina wines are rare. Instead, the variety is often found as part of a full-bodied blend with other Croatian red varieties, Plavina and Babić.

Lasina is notoriously difficult to grow, just like Pinot Noir. This accounts for the limited 16 ha of plantings in Croatia. There are a number of synonymous names for Lasina, including Lasin, Dlarinka, Chliiva, Kuc Mali, Posipan, and Rija.

The Perfect Microclimate

Plastovo, a village near Skradin, offers the perfect microclimate to cultivate this rare variety. Vineyards sit at 250 – 300m above sea level where fruit ripens under the warm Croatian sun. The nearby Krka River and sea breezes off the Adriatic moderate tempatures and help to preserve acidity, aromas, and flavors. Historically, this area once lied under a river. This created mainly limestone and other diverse soils suitable for a wide range of varieties and often contributing minerality to the wines.

The Winery: Ante Sladić

Ante Sladić is a family-owner winery located in Plastovo. They wholeheartedly cultivate indigenous Croatian varieties with a dedication to tradition and nature. Younger generations of the winemaking family have turned to modern winemaking techniques, elevating Ante Sladić wines to much acclaim with international wine lovers.