Cota Winery Pero J'Dero Merlot, Plavina, Lasina

Located in the village of Oklaj, in the rugged hinterland of Northern Dalmatia near the Krka National Park and the Adriatic coast, Cota Winery represents four generations of family winemaking deeply connected to the land around Mount Promina. The story began in 1924 when Marko Cota returned from America and built a traditional Dalmatian stone house and cellar by hand, digging the cellar more than three metres underground. He also established the family’s first vineyards on the rocky slopes surrounding Oklaj, laying the foundations for a winemaking tradition that continues today under the stewardship of fourth generation winemaker Petar Cota.

The vineyards are situated in the distinctive terroir of the Promina region, characterised by steep rocky soils, Mediterranean sunshine and the cooling influences of the nearby Krka River and Adriatic Sea. These conditions provide an ideal environment for cultivating indigenous Dalmatian grape varieties with exceptional freshness and character. Cota Winery follows the principles passed down through generations: respect for nature, minimal intervention and complete authenticity. The family farms organically, without chemical treatments in the vineyards, and vinifies exclusively from their own grapes.

In the cellar, intervention is kept to an absolute minimum. Many wines are produced with very low levels of sulphur, while some are made without any added sulphites. The result is a collection of vibrant, expressive wines that reflect both their origin and the family’s commitment to natural winemaking. Fresh, energetic and highly drinkable, Cota wines are designed to be enjoyed and served chilled, showcasing the purity of Dalmatia’s indigenous grape varieties.

Merlot, Plavina, Lasina

Region: Dalmatia
Grape: Plavina, Lasina, Merlot,
Vineyard Size: 0.70 hectares
Soil: clay, limestone
Average Age of Vines: 15 years
Farming: organic
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: 4-5 day maceration, spontaneous fermentation in polyethylene and stainless steel with indigenous yeasts
Aging: in stainless steel
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: none

Juicy and bright with snappy acidity, raspberry, sour cherry with a herbal-savoury thread. Silky, low-extraction tannins keep it super drinkable.

This is a fantastic alternative to Beaujolais. Chill down and drink with tomato and balsamic salads or drink with pork/lamb chops.