Marijanović Winery

Josip Marianović is a 4rd generation winemaker who studied viticulture in Zagreb and has appeared in Decanter and National Geographic as a “winemaker to watch”, and “winery to visit” respectively.

In 1994 his father inherited 1.5Ha of 25 different plots of vines and decided to start afresh and plant new vines of the native Žilavka, Blatina and Trnjak.
In 2003 he then planted Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah, becoming the first to plant Syrah in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Marianović Winery now has 2.5Ha of their own vines and buy in further grapes from growers to help meet the increasing domestic demand.
All grapes are hand-harvested, hand-selected and only the free-run juice is vinified.
Rejected grapes and remaining crushed grapes go into the production of brandy.
They can produce up to 48,000 litres / year; and have plans to extend the winery to include guest rooms and swimming pool.

A winery to watch for both oenotourism and premium quality, small production local wines.

They currently have 7 regular labels + 2 single barrels only released in the best years.

White

Žilavka – a fresh Žilavka with 5% Bena & 5% Krkošija
Žilavka Selection – a more complex gastronomic Žilavka from the best, low-yielding plots. Aged 3 months in oak barrels (40% new).

Rosé – The country’s best selling rosé made from Blatina with 30% Syrah & 20% Plavka (aka Plavina)

Red

Blatina – Blatina with 5% of Alicante Bouchet, aged 12 months in oak barrels. A medium bodied red with notes of red fruit and chocolate.
Blatina Barrique – Limited edition of 600 bottles produced only in the best years when a single barrel is selected. Aged for 24 months in oak.
Syrah – 100% Syrah aged for 18 months in new & old oak barrels. Medium-full bodied with bramble fruit, dried fruit and chocolate notes.
33 Barrique – an equal blend of Blatina, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Vinified and barrel aged separately. Like a Balkan Bordeaux style.
Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with 18-24 months ageing in oak.
Grand Selection – Limited edition of 600 bottles produced only in the best years when a single barrel of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is selected. Aged for 24 months in oak.

Producer Info

Winery: Marianović Winery

Established: 1994

Winemaker: Josip Marianović

Hectares: 2.5Ha + buy in grapes

Vine age: 1994 & 2003 plantints

Grapes:

White:

Žilavka (+ small quantitiy of Bena and Krkošija used in blends)

Red:

Alicante Bouvhet, Blatina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Plavka, Syrah (+ Trnjac for pollenation of Blatina only)

Viticulture: Conventional

Vinification: Stainless steel and oak ageing

Bottles/year: 64,000

Visits: Upon appointment. Dedicated tasting room.

Address: 139 Služanj, 88260, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Website: https://marijanovic.ba/