On our search for authenticity and passion in the wine world, we often encounter winemaking techniques - new and old - that can only be described as…
OUTSTANDINGLY INTERESTING
We recently came upon exactly such a technique from the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, where award-winning winery Testament ages one of their reds by way of submersion. That is to say, they literally submerge bottles of red wine at a depth of over 20 meters beneath the Adriatic Sea.
This wine, which Testament has aptly named Coral, ages at temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius, under pressures up to three atmospheres. The rationale behind this technique is that the Adriatic’s current, and the absence of direct sunlight, impart unique character and energy to the wine as it develops in the bottle - softening it, amplifying its elegance and aromas.
A view of Testament Winery’s vineyards…
Coral, itself, is produced from the Babić varietal, a grape native to Croatia and commonly grown in the Northern Dalmatian region. The grape is well-harvested in the region surrounding the town of Šibenik, where the Babić behind this particular red is organically grown and hand-picked.
Sometimes, you stumble upon a concept too creative to pass by. This is one of those times. If you haven’t tried red wine aged beneath the sea, then it’s time to indulge your curiosity. Why not start with Coral?
For more information on Testament Winery and this red’s winemaker, Juraj Sladić, click here for the winery’s website.
And to get a first-hand view of what this process looks like, click here and check out this short video from Croatian filmmakers Limitless Production!