Croatina

The Croatina is a black grape variety native to theItaly northern, grown mainly in Lombardy (especially in theOltrepò Pavese) and in Piedmont eastern, where it is often confused with Piedmontese Bonarda (which is actually Uva Rara).

It is a grape generous and rustic, appreciated for its richness of colour, the a fruity profile and the ability to give wines lively, fresh and convivial, but also reds that are more structured and long-lived if vinified with care.

Characteristics of Croatina

  • Origin: Lombardy (Oltrepò), Piedmont (Tortona, Novara, Vercelli), Emilia Romagna

  • Local synonyms: Bonarda (in the Oltrepò Pavese), Croattina, Bonarda di Voghera

  • Abundant yield, but with good concentration

  • Skins rich in anthocyanins (colour) and tannins

  • Ripening: medium-late

Sensory profile of the wine

Colour:

  • Deep ruby red, with intense purple highlights

Aromas:

  • Ripe red fruit: cherry, blackberry, sour cherry

  • Floral notes of violet

  • Light spices, black pepper, touches of liquorice

  • In the evolved wines: tobacco, leather, jam

Palate:

  • Soft, full and round

  • Noticeable but often polished tannins

  • Good acidity, a fruity, persistent finish

  • Often vinified in a frizzante or lively, with great drinkability

Winemaking use

As a single variety:

  • Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC

  • Colline Novaresi Croatina DOC

  • Oltrepò Pavese Croatina DOC

  • Some quality artisan labels

In a blend:

  • With Barbera or Uva Rara (e.g. Bramaterra, Gattinara, Valtellina Superiore)

  • In the semi-sparkling red blends made for sharing

Food pairings

Lombard cured meats, salame di Varzi
Baked pasta, lasagne, rustic ragùs
Mixed boiled meats, grilled meats
Semi-aged cheeses, including blue cheeses
Excellent too with pizza, meatballs, rustic omelettes

Why choose Croatina?

It is a an honest, versatile red, perfect for the everyday table
It offers great colour and fruit, including in frizzante versions
With careful winemaking, it can give intense, long-lived wines
It is rooted in its land, authentic, down-to-earth — just like the wines it tells of

Croatina: My personal top three

  • 1
    Rosso della Motta 2020 - Castello di Castellengo

    Rosso della Motta 2020 - Castello di Castellengo

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Biella, Italy, Piedmont
    Discover this wine
  • 2
    Bonarda Oltrepò Pavese Amabile 2023 - Dellafiore Roberto

    Bonarda Oltrepò Pavese Amabile 2023 - Dellafiore Roberto

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Italy, Lombardy, Oltrepò Pavese
    Discover this wine
  • 3
    Casa del corno 2020 - Giorgi

    Casa del corno 2020 - Giorgi

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Italy, Lombardy, Oltrepò Pavese
    Discover this wine

All those I have tried