Vinarija Križ

Vinarija Križ is a bio-certified winery located on the Pelješac Peninsula in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia. The winery is run by third-generation winemaker Denis Bogoević Marušić and his father Mile. The estate's two hectares of vineyards are situated on southern-facing slopes between the villages of Prizdrina and Postup, a region renowned for its steep, rocky terrain.

The terroir is a combination of terra rossa (red soil) and a limestone base, which provides excellent drainage and a high mineral content that is a key expression in the wines. The climate is Mediterranean, with a strong maritime influence from the Adriatic Sea and intense sun exposure during the summer, creating ideal conditions for native grapes.

Križ is a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking in Croatia, following the lunar calendar for vineyard work and being the first winery in the country to receive an organic certification. Their philosophy is one of minimal intervention. In the vineyard, they abstain from using pesticides and herbicides to preserve the natural ecosystem and the indigenous yeasts present on the grapes. In the cellar, they practice spontaneous fermentation without any added yeasts or enzymes. Their wines are bottled unfiltered, and sulfur is only used sparingly. They are well-known for their natural and complex wines made from indigenous grapes.

• Primary Grapes: Plavac Mali (red) and Grk (white). The Plavac Mali is often grown on terraced slopes with a grade of up to 45 degrees, which yields highly concentrated fruit.