Žilavka

The white grape variety comes from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Synonyms are Jilavka, Mostarska, Mostarska Žilavka, White Zilavka, Zhelavka Biella, Žilava Hercegovacka, Zilavka Bianca, Žilavka Bijela, Zilavka Blanche, Žilavka Hercegovacka, Žilavka Mostarska Bijela and Zilavka White. It must not be confused with the Furmint variety due to morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses last carried out in 2018, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Alba Imputotato x unknown partner. The late ripening vine is susceptible to downy mildew, botrytis and spring frosts, but resistant to drought. It produces alcohol-rich, acidic white wines with aromas of nuts and apricots and ageing potential. Žilavka is by far the most common variety in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where it is grown mainly in the Mostar region in the south of the country. There are also stands in Croatia, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia (185 ha) and Serbia. In 2016, however, only in Northern Macedonia a stand was recorded (statistics Kym Anderson).

To read the full text, you must be a Premium Member of wein.plus. You are currently not logged in to wein.plus. Become a Premium Member or log in with your credentials .

Become a Premium Member of wein.plus

Voices of our members

The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena

Welcome back!

Žilavka

To read the full text, you must be a Premium Member of wein.plus. You are currently not logged in to wein.plus. Become a Premium Member or log in with your credentials .

Voices of our members

The world's largest Lexicon of wine terms.

EVENTS NEAR YOU