In the forest area of Lepoglava, on the very slopes of the magnificent Ivanščica, our youngest Nature Park, the Arbovin cellar is located, a real pearl of the wine scene. Right here, Miljenko Županić and his brother Tonko decided to step into the world of winemaking in 2020, and they have already won two prestigious Decanter awards, proving that the combination of tradition, knowledge and passion is the right recipe for success.
It is interesting that this wine story is intertwined with forestry. Miljenko, a Master of Forestry, has managed to transfer his love for the forest to every sip of the wine he produces. The marginal forest areas in which Arbovin is located further emphasize this unique character of the winery, which uses only Croatian wooden barrels to mature its wines. Although much of the premium wood material goes abroad, Arbovin is determined to age his wine exclusively in domestic wood, supporting local resources.
Arbovin is best known for its red coupages, but the real gem of their offer is the new rosé made from Frankovka. While the production of top red wine in this area is challenging due to the specific soil and limited hours of sunshine, more and more winemakers, including Arbovin, are turning to rosé production. This elegant Frankovka rosé captivates with its fresh, fruity notes and refreshing character, and perfectly reflects the peculiarities of the local terroir.
One of the prides of the Arbovin winery is the blend of black Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franconian varieties, which after 12 months of aging in barrique barrels and an additional year in the bottle, achieves an incredible depth and complexity of taste. It is a wine that deserves the attention of every wine lover who is looking for rich and layered aromas. We enjoyed this wine immensely.
Arbovin's quality is also recognized on the international scene. At the 20th edition of the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards competition in London in 2023, Arbovin's Cuvée 2020 won a silver medal, putting Lepoglava on the map of top wine destinations. With this, Miljenko and Tonko Županić confirmed that even smaller vineyards, when enriched with knowledge and passion, can produce exceptional wines.
For the Arbovin winery, wine is not just a product – it is a combination of nature, the forest, and the human hand that creates something unique. If you are looking for a wine with a story, where every sip carries the taste of the forest and land of Lepoglava, Arbovin is your next destination.
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