Everything About Zilavka Grape
"ZHEE-lahv-kah" 
Zilavka Description
Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina
History: Žilavka is a white wine grape variety planted primarily in the Mostar region of Herzegovina, the southern area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is known for its bright freshness and acidity. The name 'Žilavka' is believed to symbolize fine veins visible in the grape's thick but transparent skin during full maturity. The variety is also associated with the sunny and karst ambiance of Herzegovina.
Appearance: Medium-sized, cylindrical clusters with small, round berries that are prone to shriveling.
Growing Traits: Žilavka is an early-ripening variety, often harvested at the end of August. It is susceptible to botrytis, which contributes to the unique character of Tokaji Aszú wines. The grape thrives on loess and erubase soils, contributing to its rich, oily, and fleshy texture in wines.
Food Pairing Žilavka's crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, such as grilled fish, shellfish, and ceviche. The wine's freshness also complements light salads, poultry dishes, and Mediterranean cuisine. Its zesty character makes it an excellent choice for pairing with dishes featuring citrus elements or herbal notes.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium-bodied with a crisp and refreshing profile, offering a clean and zesty palate. Typically vinified dry, highlighting its natural acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. As a white grape variety, Žilavka wines have negligible tannin content, resulting in a smooth and approachable mouthfeel. Medium to high acidity, providing freshness and vibrancy to the wine. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally ranging from 12% to 14%, contributing to the wine's body and intensity.
Citrus 
Green apple 
Herbal 
Mineral Žilavka wines are characterized by their fresh and zesty profile, with prominent notes of citrus fruits, such as lemon and lime, and green apple. Subtle herbal nuances and mineral undertones add complexity to the palate. The wines are typically light to medium-bodied, with medium to high acidity, leading to a clean and refreshing finish. These characteristics make Žilavka wines particularly enjoyable in their youth.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/bosnia_and_herzegovina.png)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
•Herzegovina
![[object Object] Region](/regions/macedonia.png)
Macedonia
•Southern Macedonia
![[object Object] Region](/regions/montenegro.png)
Montenegro
•Coastal regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/kosovo.png)
Kosovo
•Southern regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/north_macedonia.png)
North Macedonia
•Southern regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/greece.png)
Greece
•Northern regions
Notable Wines and Producers
Žilavka
•Vinarija Vukoje
•Vinarija Čitluk
•Vinarija Andrija
Zilavka FAQ
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Zilavka has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Zilavka is Moderate bodied.
Zilavka has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Zilavka is Dry.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Zilavka is grown in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Herzegovina)Macedonia (Southern Macedonia)Montenegro (Coastal regions)Kosovo (Southern regions)North Macedonia (Southern regions)Greece (Northern regions).
Žilavka wines are characterized by their fresh and zesty profile, with prominent notes of citrus fruits, such as lemon and lime, and green apple. Subtle herbal nuances and mineral undertones add complexity to the palate. The wines are typically light to medium-bodied, with medium to high acidity, leading to a clean and refreshing finish. These characteristics make Žilavka wines particularly enjoyable in their youth.
Žilavka's crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, such as grilled fish, shellfish, and ceviche. The wine's freshness also complements light salads, poultry dishes, and Mediterranean cuisine. Its zesty character makes it an excellent choice for pairing with dishes featuring citrus elements or herbal notes.
Žilavka wines are characterized by their fresh and zesty profile, with prominent notes of citrus fruits, such as lemon and lime, and green apple. Subtle herbal nuances and mineral undertones add complexity to the palate. The wines are typically light to medium-bodied, with medium to high acidity, leading to a clean and refreshing finish. These characteristics make Žilavka wines particularly enjoyable in their youth.