u r t o r y
Malvasia or Sweet Malvasia as I call her affectionately. It is the greatest challenge I have ever undertaken.
I might have chosen many paths in life and business, but this one has called to me uncompromisingly.
She is not my job. Malvasia has designated me as her champion to return the spirit of the forgotten past and provide her with the throne she has deserved since 1383.
We have succeeded; me and her. She has been enthroned to the top of the world of Malvasia, where she shines with the most beautiful golden glow. All the efforts, sacrifice, labour, knowledge and love have been returned in her full seductive body.
She is my lifestyle.
Yours
Niko
The Story Behind Our Winery
I K O K A R M A
ABOUT OUR VINEYARD
HISTORY
Rarely has the wine played an important role in the life of the medieval City-State as Malvasia did in times of Dubrovnik Republic and still does in the modern Dubrovnik. The State Archives in Dubrovnik keep the manuscripts of the existence and significance of Malvasia.
The following are a few interesting events that will show you the living presence of its past. In 1385, a nobleman of Dubrovnik asks the permission from the authorities to purchase Malvasia. This event follows a sequence of legal acts that do not allow Malvasia in free sale. It is a wine to enjoy and not a wine to devour. In 1424, the Grand Council rules that Malvasia can be sold at free rate. All other wines had a proscribed selling rate. In 1699, the Book about Wine, kept in the Capuchin Monastery, told about the preparation of medicinal wine like Malvasia.
Malvasia of Dubrovnik is a medicinal wine! Malvasia was privileged to the noblemen and was not sold in taverns where the commoners could have bought it. Malvasia of Dubrovnik inspired artists, painters and writers.
The truth about Malvasia comes from the direct archival heritage.
Malvasia is wine that tells history!
Before the Homeland War in 1991, Dubrovnik Malvasia was widely cultivated in the vineyards of Konavle, but the war destroyed almost all of the plantations. After graduating from the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb, Niko Karaman, the founder and owner of the winery, returned to Konavle and, together with his professors, initiated the revitalization of this nearly forgotten grape variety. They found only two surviving vines, from which—through great dedication and hard work—they propagated new ones: first ten, then a hundred, a thousand… Today, there are more than 92,000 vines of Dubrovnik Malvasia in Konavle and 24 winemakers cultivating it. For this remarkable achievement, Niko Karaman received a commendation from the Republic of Croatia.
TODAY
Malvasia of Dubrovnik was nearly lost during Croatia’s independence due to its demanding cultivation and the Homeland War.
Winemaker Niko Karaman, coming from a family of vintners, saved the grape from extinction and revived its legacy in the vineyards of Konavle. With the help of experts from the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb and the State Archives in Dubrovnik, he led the effort to restore and protect this historic variety.
Today, Karaman Malvasia stands as a symbol of Dubrovnik’s winemaking heritage, reclaiming its status as the Champion of the Malvasia World.
We also offer our guests a unique opportunity to walk through the first revitalized vineyard of the Dubrovnik Malvasia grape after the war, located near our winery. This vineyard symbolizes the beginning of an exceptional story of renewal, dedication, and love for tradition.
Our winery is devoted to cultivating the Dubrovnik Malvasia variety, which thrives exclusively in the Konavle region. From this grape, we produce two types of wine: a dry white wine and a sweet dessert wine (prošek). Each year, we produce between 17,000 and 20,000 bottles of the dry wine, while prošek is made only in selected, exceptional harvests.
Our wines have received multiple awards, including Grand Gold Medals for prošek from the 2007 and 2016 vintages, and the title of Dalmatia Champion at the “Wines of Long Ago” competition for the 2018 vintage.
Milestones
t a i i o t h t h a s l a s t e d f o r o v e r 7 0 0 y e a r s
1383
The Beginning
The first written document mentioning Malvasija Dubrovačka, marking the beginning of the history of one of the most important indigenous grape varieties of southern Croatia.
15th – 18th century
Rise of a Symbol
Malvasija becomes a symbol of Dubrovnik’s wine culture. Valued and recognized for its quality, it finds its place in European royal courts and among the merchants of the Dubrovnik Republic.
19th century
The Fall of the Vine
With the emergence of phylloxera and other vine diseases, wine production experiences a sharp decline. Many vineyards are destroyed, and the tradition of cultivating Malvasija nearly disappears.
2001
A New Chapter Begins
Nino Karaman launches an initiative to revitalize Malvasija Dubrovačka in Konavle, aiming to bring this variety back onto the wine map of Croatia and the world.
2003
Planting the Future
The first revitalized vineyard of Malvasija Dubrovačka is planted in Konavle, marking a turning point in the restoration of the variety.
2006
The First Harvest
The first harvest from the revitalized vineyards is realized – the result of the Karaman family’s vision, persistence, and dedication.
2009
World Champion Prošek
Our Prošek made from Malvasija Dubrovačka wins a Grand Gold at a prestigious international competition, proudly earning the title of world champion.
Today
Malvasija Lives On
Karaman Winery operates successfully and proudly preserves the legacy of Malvasija Dubrovačka. Our wines are featured in top restaurants and are recognized and appreciated by both local and international guests who enjoy them.
