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Croatina Wine Guide: Learn About Croatina Grapes

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 1 min read

Croatina is an Italian red wine grape variety that’s grown in Oltrepò Pavese and Piemonte.

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What Are Croatina Grapes?

Croatina is a red wine grape primarily grown in northern Italy. ​​​​Its name means "Croatian girl," and it is believed to have originated in Croatia. Croatina are mildew-resistant, high-yielding grapes typically used to make a fruity varietal wine meant to be drunk young or blended with other varieties like Barbera, Nebbiolo, or Merlot.

Where Are Croatina Grapes Grown?

Croatina grapes are primarily grown in northwest Italy in the regions of Oltrepò Pavese and Piemonte (Piedmont):

  • Oltrepò Pavese: The Oltrepò Pavese wine region of Lombardy is home to the most Croatina plantings in Italy. Oltrepò Pavese is known for its Croatina varietal wines and is the only Italian DOC (denominazione di origine controllata) wine that can use the name Bonarda as a synonym for Croatina.
  • Piemonte: In Piemonte, several DOC wines are made with Croatina, including Colli Tortonesi, Colli Piacentini (often blended with Barbera), Gattinara (often blended with Nebbiolo), and Cisterna d'Asti.

What Does Croatina Wine Taste Like?

Croatina wines are typically dry with fruit flavors such as plum, strawberry, and blueberry. It is not uncommon for these wines to be frizzante (lightly sparkling). As a blending partner, Croatina is valued for its balanced tannins and acidity. Its fruity flavor and tannins are comparable to Dolcetto wine.

Croatina vs. Bonarda: What’s the Difference?

In different parts of Italy, Croatina is also known by another name: Bonarda. Confusingly, there are several other grapes known as Bonarda:

  • Croatina: The only DOC-recognized Bonarda wine is Oltrepò Pavese Bonarda, made with Croatina grapes.
  • Uva Rara: Widely grown in southwest Italy, this grape is sometimes known as Bonarda Novarese.
  • Bonarda Piemontese: Phylloxera pests virtually extinguished this aromatic grape from Piemonte in the nineteenth century.
  • Charbano: This wine is known as Bonarda in Argentina, where it is the second-most planted grape after Malbec. Charbano is unrelated to any of the Italian grapes known as Bonarda.

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