Marastina Origins
A light-skinned grape variety, Marastina is grown in the Primorska region of Cratia, along the coast. It is ideal variety for a different wine styles – dry, sweet and sparkling wines.
Its high level of acidity makes “Maraština” a versatile grape. Yeast cultivation has resulted in its spread throughout the Mediterranean and along the Croatian coast (except for Istria) where it is known by different names: Rukatac (in the south of Dalmatia), Krizol (island of Cres), Višana, Malvasia del Chianti (traditionally a blend of 2 red varieties and 15% of Malvasia del Chianti, Malvasia Bianca Lunga (Italy) and Pavlos (Greece).
This indicates that Maraština is perhaps not an indigenous variety to Croatia, but recent research has led experts to believe that it originated here and then soared due to its features and quality.
Nowadays, it is mostly found in the south of Croatia, namely Hvar and Korcula islands, Pelješac Penisula and Konavle region. Small vineyards of Maraština can be found on the islands of Lastovo and Mljet. In the region of Zadar, work is under way to brand a local Marastina.
Marastina Wineyards in Zadar Region – Croatia
Marastina – Rukatac Wine Aroma
Marastina grapes give consistent high yields rather late. When grown in the most favorable locations with a lot of sun, the sugar content is high. Aromas and flavors range from herbal, ripe pears, quince-like fruit characters, apricot, peach and hints of vanilla. With a fruity fragrance, golden-yellow color, low acid and alcohol content, it has often been called a ‘ladies’ wine. Low acidity makes it suitable for blending with other varieties that have higher acid content.
Marastina – Rukatac Grape
Marastina pairing with a food
Maraština should be served chilled at a temperature of 10 ° C . It goes well with white meat dishes, seafood, salted anchovies, various risottos and goat cheese or it can be drunk on its own.
Marastina grapes are sweet when ripe and the berries have a firmer skin, so winemakers often leave them to dry in the wind to then make Prosek, an aromatic dessert wine (not to be mistaken with Italian prosecco).
Peljesac Rukatac – Marastina Wine
