The red grape variety originates from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Synonyms are Blathina, Blatina Crna, Blatina Hercegovacka, Blatina Mala, Blatina Nera, Blatina Velika, Blatyna, Blue Blatina, Praznobačva, Praznobatchva, Stara Žilavka, Tribidrag and Žilavka Stara. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms, it should not be confused with the varieties Cetinka or Tribidrag (Crljenak Kaštelanski). According to DNA analyses carried out in 2021, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Primitivo x unknown parent variety. It is an all-female grape variety.
The late-maturing vine is sensitive to frost. It produces ruby red, fruity, spicy and full-bodied red wines with aromas of blackberries, cherries, plums and blackcurrants. It is also used as table grape. The variety is mainly cultivated in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where it is said to occupy around a third of the vineyard area. However, no stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
![]()
Serious sources on the internet are rare - and Wine lexicon from wein.plus is one such source. When researching for my articles, I regularly consult the wein.plus encyclopaedia. There I get reliable and detailed information.
Thomas Götz
Weinberater, Weinblogger und Journalist; Schwendi