Pošip PDO, Korčula Island

Pošip's story begins around 1880 when Marin Tomašić, a grower from Smokvica nicknamed Caparin, discovered a wild grapevine growing on Korčula Island. Modern DNA analysis has since confirmed that Pošip is a natural cross between two varieties indigenous to Korčula: Bratkovina and Blatska Zlatarica. Local families in the Smokvica-Cara vineyards, known as Smokvisko-Carsko Polje, cultivated it for generations before it received official recognition. In 1967, Pošip became the first white grape variety in Croatia to earn a protected designation of origin, a landmark moment for Croatian viticulture.

• Discovered as a wild vine around 1880 by Marin Tomašić (Caparin) of Smokvica
• Confirmed cross of Bratkovina and Blatska Zlatarica, both native to Korčula
• Officially protected in 1967 as Croatia's first legally designated white variety
• Pre-phylloxera, Korčula held 4,000 hectares of vineyards; phylloxera reduced this to 450 hectares

Pošip is centered on the municipalities of Čara and Smokvica on Korčula Island, with vineyards reaching up to approximately 300 meters above sea level. The island sits within a classic Mediterranean climate (Csa type), with mild winters averaging 9.8°C in January and hot, dry summers peaking at 26.9°C in July. Annual rainfall averages 1,100mm, falling predominantly outside the growing season. Soils vary across the island: sandy soils dominate Smokvica and Lumbarda, while limestone-laden, red and reddish-brown clay soils over a karst base are found elsewhere. The sandy soils of Smokvica are particularly notable because they allow some Pošip vines to survive on their own roots, unaffected by phylloxera.

• Primary areas: Čara and Smokvica on Korčula Island; also Pelješac Peninsula and broader Dalmatia
• Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and an average July temperature of 26.9°C
• Soils include sand, limestone, red-brown clay over karst terrain
• Sandy soils in Smokvica provide natural phylloxera resistance for ungrafted vines

Pošip produces dry white wines ranging from light to full-bodied, with alcohol levels typically between 12% and 14.5%. Flavor profiles feature citrus, stone fruits, dried apricots, figs, and almond aromas alongside mineral and herbaceous notes. Traditionally, the best-quality Pošip was made as a blend of 50% Pošip, 40% Rukatac (Maraština), and 10% Bratkovina. Modern producers now offer both fresh, stainless steel-fermented expressions and more complex, sur lie-aged versions. The variety is grown alongside Rukatac, Bratkovina, and Plavac Mali on Korčula and across broader Dalmatia.

• Dry white wine, 12-14.5% alcohol, light to full-bodied
• Aromas of citrus, stone fruit, dried apricot, fig, almond, mineral, and herbs
• Traditional blend: 50% Pošip, 40% Rukatac, 10% Bratkovina
• Modern styles range from fresh stainless steel-fermented to sur lie-aged expressions

Pošip falls under the Central and South Dalmatia PDO (Srednja i Južna Dalmacija) and holds its own protected designation of origin status. The 1967 protection made it a historic first for Croatian white wines. Today it is the most planted white grape in Dalmatia at 329 hectares, having expanded well beyond Korčula to include Pelješac, Hvar, Brač, and the Biokovo slopes. Notable producers include Black Island Winery (Merga Victa), Grgić Vina, Čara, Toreta, Groš, and Skaramuča.

• PDO: Central and South Dalmatia (Srednja i Južna Dalmacija)
• First Croatian white variety to receive protected geographical origin status in 1967
• 329 hectares planted, making it the most widely grown white grape in Dalmatia
• Key producers: Black Island Winery, Grgić Vina, Toreta, Skaramuča, Groš, Čara