KRALJEVSKI VINOGRADI
PUNTA SKALA
The vineyards on the picturesque slopes above Petrčane and Punta Skala were cultivated in extreme conditions, on rocky soil with an optimal southwest slope and constant air currents, both from the sea and from the Velebit mountain.
The exceptional quality of the grapes from this stony vineyard and the excellent taste of the wine are the result of a special microclimate, its proximity to the sea, and its all-day, direct exposure to the sun, averaging 2600 hours a year.
The vineyard extends from 8 meters to 43 meters above sea level. Cultivating vines on a southern slope with an incline of up to 30° allows for a constant flow of air—from the sea and the cooler air that descends from the 1757-meter-high Velebit (the bura wind), which also dries the soil.
This microclimate allows for the high-quality cultivation of grapes that are healthy and rich in extract, perfect for producing both white and red wines. The bura wind tirelessly flows through the vines, aerating the grapes and bringing coolness to the rocky ground. At night, the cold air from Velebit descends toward the sea, creating a powerful extract in the grapes.
We currently have 40 hectares of vineyards across two locations, with a total of 300,000 vines. 80% of our assortment consists of indigenous Croatian grape varieties: Pošip—a white grape—and Plavac mali and Crljenak (Zinfandel), which are red grapes. We also have smaller quantities of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Plavina, Žilavka, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Yellow Muscat.
You can't just describe the well-known vineyard sites on the steep slope above Petrčane—you have to visit and experience them.
Upon arriving at this picturesque location, from where you can see 22 islands of the Zadar archipelago, we pay due respect to the hardworking vignerons who transformed this wilderness into fertile soil. They cleared useless maquis and shrubs, broke and crushed rocks, and cherished the land as if it were the most precious soil. In these extreme conditions, through the centuries, only man, the grapevine, the olive tree, and the maquis have survived.
In this pure nature, in this soil where earth is only in traces, Pošip, Plavac mali, and Crljenak have found their true home.
Our vineyards grow in stony soil, facing south and situated on a site with an ideal slope.
They are among the few large vineyards in Dalmatia and Croatia planted with a narrow row spacing, resulting in 8,000 vines per hectare.
The amount of soil at this location is modest, with limestone making up 70% of the substrate.
Drip irrigation on each vine ensures the proper development of the vine, a healthy lifespan, good condition, and most importantly, good, healthy, aromatic, and exceptionally high-quality grapes from which we produce fresh, fruity, and drinkable wines in our winery.