Rizman Winery is in Croatia's youngest wine growing area, Komarna, Which is a sub-region of South Dalmatia wine region. In case you are wondering Croatia has four wine regions: Istria and Kvarner, Dalmatia, Slavonia and Danube, and Upland Croatia. Dalmatia's stunning landscapes and exceptional wines create an unforgettable journey for wine enthusiasts.
Komarna is an important sub-region within South Dalmatia, which includes: Pelješac peninsula vineyards, Korčula island vineyards, Konavle vineyards, Komarna vineyards, Neretva vineyards, and Lastovo island vineyard. Komarna grows almost exclusively indigenous varieties. They are Plavac Mali, its genetic ancestor Tribidrag (also known as Crljenak, Primitivo, Zinfandel), and white varieties, Pošip and Rukatac (Maraština).
Taking in the Views, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood
Wine & More notes:
Komarna’s rugged limestone rock makes vineyard management essential as the vines’ roots struggle to survive. Even for the Plavac Mali grape variety, accustomed to Dalmatian tough growing conditions. Although the dolomite soil on the Pelješac peninsula across from Komarna has a similar composition, the limestone rocks of Komarna do not allow water retention, which is why dry periods on Komarna are critical. Wineries collect rainwater to irrigate the vineyards. Despite these challenges, Komarna’s sage and rosemary-scented vineyards continue to produce exceptional wines.
Further along, after discussing other factors, Wine & More concludes:
That may be why Plavac Mali from Komarna is different, elegant with pronounced red fruit notes, more mature tannins, and less jam and plum notes, but concentrated and powerful as those from renowned Dingač and Postup appellations. Wine & More
Rizman Winery has skillfully harnessed the unique microclimate and terroir of Komarna. This family winery makes wines from organically grown grapes from their estate vineyards. Rizman vineyard, 90% of vines are the indigenous varieties of Plavac Mali and Pošip, and Tribidrag. Beside Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Tribidrag they also produce Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier, Tempranillo. They produce white, red, rosé, sparkling, and a sweet wine named Prošek. Their wines captivate the senses with unique character, and are of the highest quality.
Our Rizman Winery experience was a wine tasting over lunch.
Wine Tasting, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood
Rizman is celebrated for its exceptional wine varieties, which include their esteemed Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Tribidrag. We tasted all three of these.
Rizman Winery, Pošip 2023
Rizman Winery, Pošip 2023 © Spaswinefood
Rizman Winery, Pošip 2023 © Spaswinefood
I loved this expressive Pošip. Fresh, and lively with minerality typical of limestone bedrock and soil is a good description.
Rizman Winery, Primus Plavac Mali, 2021
Rizman Winery, Primus Plavac Mali, 2021 © Spaswinefood
Primus Plavac Mali, as its name implies, was the first Plavac Mali produced by the winery. The hand picked grapes are from best vineyard locations, with great care taken in the fermentation and aging process. This ensures a fine Plava Mali is produced.
Rizman Winery, Tribidrag (right) & Pošip 2023 (left) © Spaswinefood
I found the Rizman Tribidragto be nicely balanced wine with tempting fruit aromas. It gets good reviews both by critics and Vivino users. Tribidrag is known as Zinfandel in the US, and Primitivo in Italy. Croatian Tribidrag, known since the 15th century, is also known by other synonyms.
Rizman Winery, Rusula 2024
Rizman Winery, Rusula 2024 © Spaswinefood
Rusula is the old Dalmatian name for rosé. Rizman Winery, Rusula is made with Plavac Mali juice and limited skin contact. I loved the gentle expression of this Plavac Mali rosé.
They also produce a sparkling wine, which I did not taste.
Cheese Plate, Rizman Winery Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Loving Lunch, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood
We finished our tasting with a Rizman Prošek.
Introducing Prošek, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood
Rizman Winery, Prošek © Spaswinefood
We loved being introduced to Rizman Winery Prošek. My understanding is this wine is not readily available, except at the winery. We did buy a bottle for later to enjoy. Prošek is a dessert wine that is traditionally made in South Dalmatia. It is made using dried wine grapes in the passito method. The composition is typically of Bogdanuša, Maraština, and/or Vugava (all native Croatian white grapes) however, higher-end versions are a blend of the base white grapes and Plavac Mali. Rizman Prošek is a higher-end version.
Many thanks to the owner and staff who hosted us for a wine tasting over lunch. He took us on a brief tour after lunch.
Barrel Room, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood
Bottling was happening while we did our walk through.
Touring Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood
Visitors to the Rizman Winery can not only enjoy tasting wines with the most scenic backdrop but dine in the restaurant. They offer a number of wine and food tasting options. They also offer B & B accommodations. Based on what I experienced I would love to return.
Through the Window © Spaswinefood
This is such a beautiful area to plan a Croatian wine country dream escape to Rizman Winery. Special thanks to Mirena Bager at Croatian Premium Wine Imports for helping me plan our wine adventure. Also, special thanks to
the Rizman staff.
After this winery visit I can easily say Rizman is one of Croatia's best. We were very impressed by this winery and its wines.
I invite you to join me in my Croatian wine travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations.
Cheers
Sharon
April 2025
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Remembering Those Views, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood
Wine Country Adventures, Croatia © Spaswinefood
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