How many winery stories date back to 1775? The Cebalo Family has grown and produced wine since then. Today, they focus on Grk, the emblematic grape of Lumbarda on Korčula Island. I met Lucija, a multi-generation Cebalo and daughter of Stjepan Cebalo, today’s Vitis winemaker, and tasted the wine on-site.
I love the Grk grape and its pollination story (you can read about it in my Vine Routes article on Korcula). The Vitis Grk is dry and citrusy, with white pepper, sour melon, and bright acidity, plus a touch of the classic variety’s dry bitterness. The wine showcases the fruit and minerality of the island’s red dirt. It is fresh and juicy, and it pairs well with the winery’s appetizer offerings. Try the Mediterranean platter, which includes tuna, octopus, shrimp, anchovies, and mussels. This is an excellent wine. Drink up with aperitivo or pair it with any local seafood you find on the island.
Read Stejephan Cebalo’s Wine Character’s interview to get the full story.