You ask any modern Indian international traveler and today he would know Croatia (pronounced as Crow-asia) as a preferred travel destination with the coastal town of Dubrovnik perhaps heading the wish list. But they may not know that Croatia is getting well known globally for its quality wines. A group of about 350 journalists will descend in Poreč (poh-rech) to not only taste wines from 50 countries but also showcase wines from the country that has only recently joined the European Union.

The announcement for the 30th edition of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) was made in Zagreb where the details of this highly rated annual traveling wine event were presented. The competition was first organized in 1994 in Brussels. The uniqueness of the competition has been that it is the first and the only major international wine competition which changes its venue from country to country every year since 2006. It has been held in 15 well-known wine regions, including Switzerland, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Italy and China.

The competition thus gives an opportunity for wine producing countries (India could also hopefully be a host one day and showcase to the world its wines). Istria is a well-known region in Croatia making very good wines and will have a go to draw the focus on this small region.

“Modern travelers are looking for authentic and unique experiences when visiting tourist destinations, while learning about and consuming local and traditional wines with their cuisine, offering visitors a special experience. Croatia has a long tradition of winemaking, which encapsulates the identity and culture of each region, both along the coast and throughout the country’s inland areas”, says Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, adding this is also an excellent opportunity for Croatian winemakers to present themselves in the best possible light, showcasing their work and quality wines to an international audience.

The Croatian wines deserve a focus

“The competition aims to be an indicator of trends in the marketplace and Croatia is an upcoming wine destination with a rich history dating back to Antiquity. Today, the country boasts an extensive range of native grape varieties and the authenticity is something consumers are increasingly looking for.”

“From the wine expert to the inquisitive enthusiast, Croatia’s wine scene deserves everyone’s focus. Since we began working with Croatia, we have been struck by the significance of families and the authenticity of vineyards that are at one with their natural surroundings. Wine is an integral part of tourism and the Concours will be introducing the 350 international judges to taste wines from a region which offers magnificent scenery, gourmet delicacies and quality wines. Those judges will become the new ambassadors of a region worth a visit. By partnering with Croatia, Istria and the town of Poreč, we have the good fortune of working with committed, passionate partners,” says Baudouin Havaux, President of the CMB.

Istria County Prefect, Boris Miletić, said “This is great recognition for Istria, a small wine region that was selected last year amongst tough competition, beating much larger wine regions. This is also confirmation that we have chosen the right strategy in Istria with a focus on top quality. Our autochthonous varieties, primarily Malvasia and Teran, have become the best-known symbols of the Istrian peninsula, an extremely valued brand in the global market.” The Mayor of Poreč, Loris Peršurić, said that with this wine competition CMB Poreč has become a wine city.

Out of the 350 judges, ten percent are sommeliers, 12 percent are wine merchants and distributors, 18 percent are winemakers, while 60 percent are journalists specializing in wine and gastronomy, and who are expected to write about their impressions in the relevant world media, including the author of this Article.

Živjeli! Cheers!! Jai Ho!!!

Subhash Arora