Knebu winery is located in Tomislavgrad (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and has its own vineyards on the sunny slopes of the Duvno field. We are proud of the fact that it is one of the highest-altitude vineyards in the world. Knebu vineyard extends over 15 hectares of land on which some of the most noble varieties of grapes are grown; Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminac (Gewürztraminer), Pinot Noir and Merlot.
About the winery
- Current temperature 13.8 °C
- Humidity 84.1 %
- Wind speed 1.2 km/h
Why Knebu?
The grammatical and etymological expression “k nebu” (“heavenward”) can be found in this form engraved on medieval stone monuments. Nowadays, it is often used in local speech and writing. The specific area where the winery is located perfectly illustrates the fundamental story that inspired its creation. The upward aspiration, the leaning and the elevation of space, the growth of the vine, and the maturation of man all symbolize a way to something above - a way to the sky.
Location of the vineyard
Knebu vineyard is located only 50 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, in the historically significant city of Tomislavgrad, and it extends to the altitude of 965 meters. The area of the Duvno field cannot be compared to any other viticultural or wine-growing region in Croatia. The Duvno field represents an intact, unpolluted and dramatic natural wilderness surrounded by massifs and peaks, as well as rivers and lakes.
Why is altitude important?
Growing grapes at high altitude has many advantages that affect the quality and character of wine. The concept of terroir, which encompasses the geographical position and the environment, plays an important role in creating a unique taste and aroma of wine. The high altitude contributes to the more intense taste and aroma of our grapes, due to colder temperatures that enable the development of various characteristics such as minerality and spiciness, and to high levels of acidity that give the wine its freshness and extend its lifespan. Dramatic weather conditions can cause sudden and strong reactions in the vineyard, releasing energy that is bursting with charge. Large fluctuations in temperature during days and nights, intense UV radiation and strong wind present the challenges that our grapes face daily. These conditions often lead to lower yields, but also to more concentrated grapes with more intense flavors and aromas.
Processing and aging of wine
In order to achieve and preserve the superior quality of wine, the yield of grapes is reduced to 1.0 kg per vine. The harvest is done manually at the end of October, with careful selection of the best grapes, and after that, the grapes are immediately processed in the winery. Knebu wines age in 500 and 225 liters French and Slavonian oak barrels for extended periods of time. This results in wines with pronounced minerality and spiciness, and high levels of acidity and alcohol content that give them their freshness and prolong their aging potential. Knebu wines are produced with a lot of love and hands-on work.
Organic farming
In order to ensure the highest quality of wine, the grapes in our vineyard are grown exclusively organically. Thanks to the high altitude and constant breeze, the vineyard is protected from vine diseases and there is no need for aggressive protective agents. In the vineyard, we use exclusively sheep manure, which is sourced from local farmers. Organic farming is not only important for the environment, but also for the health of the people who consume wine.
“Wine story like no other”
From the field to the mountains, from nothing more than a breeze all the way to the strong ‘bora’ winds, from story to legend, there are over 900 reasons why little things become great.
