Macerated Žlahtina Immolation of the 2022 vintage from Katunar Estate Winery from Vrbnik on the island of Krk won gold medal at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition, thus ranking among only 8 Croatian wines awarded this medal. This wine was previously awarded at the first edition of the international wine evaluation Kvarner International Wine Trophy declared the best amber wine of the regular harvest, winning the title Kvarner International Orange Wine Trophy.
Žlahtina Imolata is produced from grapes from Sveta Lucia. After measured seven-day maceration, the wine was aged in a large oak barrel, with minimal sulfurization and without the use of selected yeasts or other enological aids. This approach produces a warm, complex wine with a golden-amber color, which, despite the palette of secondary aromas, is characterized by excellent balance and enjoyable drinkability.
Imolata falls into the category amber (orange) wines made through natural vinification, without oenological additives and with minimal use of sulfur. This traditional method of production limits the possibilities for corrections during vinification, which is why the success of such a wine in competition with wines obtained through modern oenological practices is of particular importance.
Multiple Croatian sommelier champion Klaudio Jurcic describes Imolata as a wine with a deep amber color, a rich and open aroma. Nutty notes, dried thyme, caramel, orange peel, marzipan, raisins and dried fig dominate, while the second nose reveals dried apricot, overripe apple, fine wood, spices and minerality. The taste is multi-layered, with fine tannins, warmth and a great balance of freshness and alcohol, and the retronasal confirms a rich aromatic profile with an exceptionally long finish. It is recommended to serve at 15 °C with complex dishes such as roasted Krk lamb, poultry stew or island desserts with candied fruit.
This award confirms not only the potential of the Žlahtina variety for various styles – from sparkling wines, still wines, macerated wines to sweet wines like prosecco – but also the importance of the first edition of the Kvarner International Wine Trophy. Namely, it was the judges of this new competition who were the first to recognize and award Imolata, thus confirming, in its first year of existence, a high professional standard of judging that is compatible with prestigious international competitions such as the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
Anton Katunar's family cherishes long wine-growing tradition, and serious professional development began in the early 90s, when they combined traditional practices of Krk and Vrbnik with modern winemaking technologies. They were the first in Croatia to produce sparkling wine (frizzante). Pearl of the sea, as well as sparkling wine Porin. Their vineyards, in addition to the famous Vrbnička field, are also spread over localities Baška valleys, where the praised and awarded Žlahtina St. Lucija comes from.
The Katunar family's innovations don't stop there - they also produce amphora žlahtina, and at locations near Baška they even grow small blue, which they possess the northernmost planted Plavac Mali in Croatia.
Link to the assessment: https://results.concoursmondial.com/en/results/2025/237744-imolata-2022
For any additional information, feel free to contact Anton Toni Katunar at +385913857396 or katunar@yahoo.com, or to the Kvarner Wines Association by e-mail vina.kvarnera@gmail.com or mobile phone +385 91 763 9776.
Kvarner Wines Media Team
