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Wine Tasting Adventure

2024 Enosophia, `DIKA` Graševina - Liberty

£16.49 GBP
£16.49 GBP

In 2018, winemaker Martin Kovačević and his wife, vineyard manager Lucija Kovačević, took the reins of this historic estate. The young couple, who met while studying viticulture and oenology at the University of Zagreb, now work from a newly renovated, modern winery and farm 160 hectares of vines on the slopes of the Krndija mountain.

Previously known as ‘Feravino’, the winery was renamed ‘Enosophia’ in 2025. Combining the words ‘eno’, meaning wine, and ‘sophia’, wisdom, Martin and Lucija feel ‘Enosophia’ better reflects their vision of thoughtful winemaking rooted in knowledge, curiosity, and respect for their land. The DIKA range (translating to ’pride’ in Croatian) is sealed under screwcap to preserve freshness and celebrates varieties native to central Europe.

The winery’s history dates back to 1804, with their original cellar located in Feričanci, a village in the region of Slavonia, Eastern Croatia. Winemaking was first introduced to the region by Cistercian and Templar monks during the 13th century. It remains one of Croatia’s key wine regions today, though is perhaps best known as the source of the Slavonian oak widely used in winemaking across the world.

Slavonia is home to Croatia’s most important white grape Graševina (aka Welschriesling). This aromatic variety accounts for approximately a third of plantings in the region and produces textured wines with bright acidity and orchard fruit flavours. Vinified in stainless steel tanks, DIKA Graševina is fresh and fruit-driven, with floral aromas, white peach flavours and a touch of almond on the finish. The label pays tribute to Dora Pejačević, Croatia’s first female composer, who is credited with popularising orchestral music in the country during the 19th century.

Frankovka (aka Blaufränkisch), described locally as `the queen of the vineyards`, has a rich history in Croatia and accounts for almost a third of Enosophia’s vines. Aged for six to nine months in large, used Slavonian oak barrels made from the surrounding forests, this is an easy-drinking red wine with juicy black and red berry fruit aromas balanced by fresh acidity, smooth tannins and complementary notes of herbs and spices.

Enosophia winery owns 160 hectares of vines, spread across three locations within a 24-kilometre radius from its base in the Feričanci village. The winery focuses mostly on Frankovka (aka Blaufrankisch), which accounts for almost a third of Enosophia's vines, and Graševina (aka Welschriesling), Croatia’s most important white grape. The region’s continental climate and cool soils with high clay content and low in organic matter combine to produce expressively aromatic wines. The vines are trained via the double Guyot method and grow on the slopes of Krndija Mountain, benefiting from the significant moderating effect that the surrounding forests have in the area's hot, dry summers and cold wet winters.

The 2024 vintage in the Slavonia and Croatian Danube region was characterised by significantly warm and dry conditions throughout the growing season. Above average temperatures in spring and summer accelerated grape ripening and pushed harvest dates earlier than usual, with many vineyards commencing picking in August. Limited rainfall during the key ripening months reduced yields but concentrated sugars and phenolic development, contributing to excellent grape quality.

On arrival at the winery, the hand-harvested grapes were destemmed, crushed, and pressed. After settling, which lasted 12 days at 16°C, the must was fermented with selected yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, avoiding malolactic fermentation to preserve the bright varietal aromas and acidity. The must spent three months on fine lees in tanks prior to bottling and release.

Youthful yellow in colour with green hues. This wine presents aromas of lemon, green apple and white flower notes. The palate is fresh, fruit-driven, and slightly aromatic, with a touch of almond bitterness on the finish that gives this Graševina a special liveliness.