2022 Skegro Blatina KRS Crni

Škegro 2022 Krš Crni Blatina

Producer Background
Škegro Family Winery, located in Radišići near Ljubuški in Herzegovina, is a family‑run estate known for its dedication to indigenous grapes, organic viticulture, and traditional terroir‑expressive wines. The vineyards are terraced, farmed with careful attention, and the winemaking emphasizes natural fermentation, low intervention, and strong connection to the landscape.

Grape & Vineyard
This wine is built primarily from Blatina (85%), supported by small plantings of local varieties including Trnjak and Alicante Bouchet. Blatina is a native red variety of Herzegovina that requires co‑planting (or “pollinators”) because it is functionally female and cannot self‑pollinate. The vineyards rest on soils of calcareous marl, sandstone, and flint, with good sun exposure (southern orientation) and a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Yields are moderate, and vine density is reasonably high.

Winemaking & Style
The 2022 vintage was hand‑harvested. The wine undergoes open fermentation (in stainless steel and/or plastic bins), with a maceration period of ~8‑10 days on the skins to extract color, tannin, and flavor without becoming harsh. Vinification is done with native yeasts. The wine is aged without heavy reliance on new oak, allowing the fruit, mineral character, and varietal identity to come forward.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby to purple‑ruby color; quite rich in hue.

• Aroma: Black cherry, dark plum, with spicy notes (pepper, perhaps paprika or woodsy spice), roasted cacao or bittersweet chocolate undertones, and herbal or forest‑floor accents.

• Palate: Medium to full body, juicy fruit with balancing fresh acidity. Tannins are present but more on the firm/refined side rather than aggressive. There’s a pleasantly bitter/salty edge on the finish that adds character—Blatina’s mineral/grippy side shines through. The wine has depth and layers, with fruit, spice, and earth working together.

• Alcohol & Structure: It clocks in relatively warm (≈14.5% ABV), but the acidity and structure help maintain balance, preventing it from feeling flabby.

Food Pairing Suggestions
This wine pairs nicely with robust, savory foods that can stand up to its fruit, tannin, and spice. Good matches include:

• Grilled or roasted lamb (chops, shoulder)

• Game meats, especially rabbit or hare

• Hearty stews, slow‑cooked beef or pork

• Grilled sausages or regional charcuterie

• Dishes with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, or smoked peppers

• Strong cheeses—aged hard cheeses or ones with pungency

Serving & Cellaring Potential

• Serve at about 15‑18 °C (roughly 59‑64 °F) to allow aromas to open and tannins to soften.

• While enjoyable now, it has real potential to age—over 5 or more years—developing earthier, tertiary notes, smoothing out tannins, and gaining more complexity. Decanting an hour or so prior to drinking will help when drinking younger bottles.