The white wine variety Zilavka is one of the most important grape varieties in Bosnia-Herzegovina and is particularly native to the vineyards near Mostar. The name probably refers to the fine veins in the grape skin that become visible when the berries are fully ripe. The very productive and vigorous vine produces large, very compact grapes when ripe, although the size of the berries depends very much on the clones used. The late-ripening grape variety is very resistant to heat and drought, but is susceptible to winter frosts as well as downy mildew or putrefactive diseases such as black rot or sour rot. The variety produces the best results in relatively warm locations. Zilavka is the most important among the local grape varieties. It is rarely made as a pure variety; a blend with the Bena and Krkosija varieties is common, which make up up to 15 percent of the cuvée. It is usually developed in a fresh, fruity style for early consumption, but the best examples can continue to refine in the bottle for years. Occasionally the Zilavka is also produced semi-dry. Few producers experiment with aging in barriques. Zilavka is also found to a small extent in Croatia, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Jilavka, Mostarska, Mostarska Žilavka, Žilavka Bianca, Žilavka Bijela, Žilavka binaca, Žilavka Blanche, Žilavka Mostarska, Žilavka Mostarska Bijela, Žilavka Weisse, Žilavka White, Zhelavka Biella
