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Sip and Savor: The Ultimate Guide to Dalmatia Wine
Croatia is known for many things: beautiful scenery, culture, and ancient history but Croatia also has a rich wine industry, with a treasure trove of different vineyards, and wineries scattered throughout the country.
Dalmatia is one of the largest and best wine regions in Croatia, stretching from Zadar in the north to the Konavle region south of Dubrovnik. Here, the sun-kissed vineyards are fanned by the sea breeze, creating an ideal environment for grape cultivation.
Overview of Dalmatia as a Wine Region
The Dalmatia wine region stretches along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and includes hundreds of islands as well as mountains. It can be further split into three notable regions, which includes Northern Dalmatia, Central Dalmatia, and South Dalmatia.
The region produces a wide variety of wines, ranging from rich, full-bodied reds to tasty, refreshing white wines.
Dalmatia’s winemaking value lies in its unique terroir. Dalmatia is characterized by rugged cliffs and the clear Adriatic Sea, bringing a cooling influence to the vineyards. The climate here is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Although Dalmatian wines are not well-recognized globally, which is due to the small scale of wine production, the region produces some incredible wines that can compete with any other in terms of quality and unique character.
History of Dalmatia Wine
Dalmatia’s wine making tradition stretches back over 2,000 years, rooted in the ancient Greek and Roman eras. Historically, winemaking in Dalmatia was more than just a local tradition; it was an integral part of daily life and commerce, deeply intertwined with the culture and economy.
The most challenging time in Dalmatia’s viticultural history occurred during the phylloxera outbreak and the subsequent decline of vineyards from 1894 to 1918.
Stari Grad Plain, the world’s oldest continuously cultivated vineyard and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be found on the island of Hvar. These grapevines were originally planted by the ancient Greeks and remain to be small, old vineyards separated by crumbling stone walls.
Dalmatia has also birthed some inspiring wine producers. Legendary winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, was born in Croatia before moving to California to pursue his dream of making wine, where he later established Grgich Hills Estate as one of the premier wineries not just in the U.S. but across the world.
Best Dalmatian Grape Varieties
The Dalmatia wine scene is characterized by its diverse and distinctive varietals. Here are a few of our favorite ones.
Plavac Mali
Plavac Mali is not just the most planted varietal in Dalmatia, but also the most planted red varietal in Croatia. The wine is named after the appearance of the grapes, which means little blue in Croatian. This grape variety is known for producing rich-bodied, flavourful red wines that are high in alcohol and tannin.
These wines typically have a robust and distinctive flavor profile. Plavac Mali is characterized by the flavor of dark, rich fruits such as blackberries and plums, spices and herbs as well as some mineral notes depending on the terroir.
Pošip
Pošip is a renowned Croatian white wine and is the most cultivated grape variety in the country. This dry white wine boasts citrus, tropical fruits, and floral notes, and flavors of ripe fruit, peaches, and apricot. Pošip wines are typically refreshing with a pleasant minerality and a hint of salinity.
This grape varietal is now cultivated throughout Dalmatia but the most esteemed terroirs remain to be on the island of Korčula. Due to its highly regarded status, it was the first white wine in Croatia to be awarded the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
Tribidrag
Tribidrag is the original Zinfandel which is now a popular grape variety throughout the world, especially across California in regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The distinctive aroma profile includes notes of dark berries, black cherries, and a hint of peppery spice.
Maraština
A variety of different styles of wine, including dry white, orange and sweet wines known as Prošek, are made from Maraština. This full bodied wine has a rich texture and balanced freshness, along with flavors of stone fruits, citrus fruits, and Mediterranean herbs.
Grk
The Grk grape variety is a white grape native to the Dalmatian island of Korčula, where it has been cultivated since ancient times. Wines made from the Grk grape are typically dry and savory on the palate with naturally high sugar content and balanced acidity. The flavor profile typically exhibits sweet citrus fruits and melon.
Babić
Babić is a native red grape variety that produces medium- to full-bodied red wines that are highly valued with great aging potential. These indigenous wines are dense and textured due to their heavy tannins.
Babić wines typically exhibit aromas of red fruits, such as cherries, spices, and subtle earthy notes that pair well with stewed beef dishes and grilled meats.
Experiencing Dalmatia’s Wine and Food
Dalmatia wine and food gives rich insight into the wonderful culture present in the region. To fully immerse yourself in the local dining culture, ask the waiter to recommend wine pairings for your meals.
The Dalmatia wine region has a wealth of vineyards, many of which are family-owned and operated and give rich insight into the history of winemaking in Dalmatia. Explore the wineries in Dalmatia on a guided tour where you’ll be taken through the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to bottling and sample a range of the wines at the end.
On the picturesque Pelješac peninsula, you’ll find the family run Miloš winery who have been cultivating Plavac Mali here for generations. Another beautiful winery worth visiting is the Bibich Winery located near Skradin.
From Croatia Tours, such as our Wine and Culinary Delights tour, to customized travel plans to Croatia, our friendly and knowledgeable team are here to help you plan the vacation of your dreams. With over 12 years experience and extensive local and specialized knowledge of Croatia and the surrounding areas, we are able to help you curate and plan memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to begin planning!
