English
Bolfan Vinski Vrh is an organic and biodynamic winery in Zagorje, in the green north of Croatia. On the hills surrounding the winery, Tomislav Bolfan produces distinctive Croatian wines with a strong focus on soil, biodiversity and natural viticulture. From fresh Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling to distinctive blends, red and orange wines and sparkling wine.
The winery's full name is Bolfan Vinski Vrh, which can loosely be translated as Bolfan wine from the top. And that is quite literal. The winery sits on top of a hill in Zagorje, surrounded by views of vineyards stretching across the slopes.
This is a very different side of Croatia from the sun-drenched islands and coastal regions of Dalmatia. Zagorje lies in the continental north of the country, close to the Slovenian border. Its green, hilly landscape and cooler climate produce wines characterised by freshness, aroma and elegance.
Bolfan's vineyards lie at approximately 250 to 380 metres above sea level. The soils consist of sand with marly limestone and clay, and all grapes are harvested by hand.
For winemaker Tomislav Bolfan, great wine does not begin in the cellar, but in the vineyard. His philosophy is simple: take good care of the soil and vines and harvest healthy grapes in optimal condition. The better the work in the vineyard, the less intervention is needed later in the cellar.
Bolfan therefore farms organically and is certified organic. But the winery goes further by applying biodynamic principles throughout the vineyards. Bolfan produces its own compost, for example, and pays particular attention to biodiversity and maintaining a healthy microbiological balance in the soil.
This natural approach is not an end in itself. Ultimately, it should be something you can taste in the glass: pure, expressive wines that allow both the grape variety and their origin to speak for themselves.
Bolfan beautifully demonstrates just how diverse Croatian wine can be. While Dalmatia is famous for powerful Mediterranean wines made from varieties such as Plavac Mali and Pošip, cooler Zagorje is much more about freshness, tension and aromatic expression.
The vineyards are planted with international grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, while Bolfan also creates distinctive blends combining different varieties. The range extends from fresh, highly aromatic white wines to complex reds and characterful orange wines with greater structure and texture.
This makes Bolfan a fascinating winery for anyone looking to discover a different side of Croatia: green, continental and individual, with a strong belief that great wine begins in a living, healthy vineyard.
At Croatianwine.online you can discover a selection of wines from Bolfan Vinski Vrh. Try the fresh Sauvignon Blanc, the versatile Zagorski Bregi and other white, red, orange and distinctive wines from this biodynamic winery in Zagorje.
