Dalmatia is a wine region located along the Adriatic coast of Croatia. It is known for its warm, sunny climate and its production of high-quality red and white wines. The region has a long history of wine production, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today, Dalmatia is home to a number of indigenous grape varieties, as well as international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The main grape varieties grown in Dalmatia include Plavac Mali, a red grape that is indigenous to the region and is known for producing full-bodied, high-alcohol wines with notes of dark fruit and spice. Other important red grape varieties include Babić, Crljenak Kaštelanski (also known as Zinfandel), and Tribidrag (also known as Primitivo). White grape varieties include Pošip, Grk, and Maraština. Dalmatian wines are typically full-bodied and high in alcohol, with a focus on red wines.
The main grape varieties grown in Dalmatia include Plavac Mali, a red grape that is indigenous to the region and is known for producing full-bodied, high-alcohol wines with notes of dark fruit and spice. Other important red grape varieties include Babić, Crljenak Kaštelanski (also known as Zinfandel), and Tribidrag (also known as Primitivo). White grape varieties include Pošip, Grk, and Maraština. Dalmatian wines are typically full-bodied and high in alcohol, with a focus on red wines.
The Zinfandel grape, which is well-known in California, actually originated in Dalmatia under the name Crljenak Kaštelanski. DNA testing has confirmed that the two grapes are genetically identical.