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Dalmatia

Croatia
Top Subregions: Pelješac PeninsulaDalmatian CoastSrednja I Juzna Dalmacija

Region Description

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.

Beautiful landscape of Dalmatia wine region

Grapes & Wine Styles

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.

Notable Producers

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.

Fun Fact about Dalmatia
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.

Top Wines from Dalmatia

Bottle of Zlatan Otok Plavac from search results

Zlatan Otok Plavac

Zlatan Otok

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Zlatan Otok Plavac" is a distinguished wine produced on the picturesque island of Hvar and the southern slopes of the Croatian mainland, areas renowned for their ideal viticultural conditions. This wine is crafted by Zlatan Otok, a winery that has gained acclaim for its dedication to quality and its focus on indigenous Croatian grape varieties, particularly the Plavac Mali. Plavac Mali, a relative of Zinfandel, thrives in the rugged, sun-drenched Dalmatian coast, where the steep, rocky vineyards overlook the Adriatic Sea. These challenging growing conditions result in grapes of concentrated flavors, making Plavac Mali wines known for their depth and intensity. Zlatan Otok employs traditional winemaking methods combined with modern technology to express the unique terroir of their vineyards, resulting in wines that are both powerful and elegant.
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Food Pairing:
Chicken
Pasta
Duck And Goose
Innards
Ham And Bacon
Turkey
Mushroom
Risotto
Boar
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$27.25
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1 Vintage Available
Bottle of Korta Katarina Plavac Mali from search results

Korta Katarina Plavac Mali

Korta Katarina

User Rating:
4.1
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Korta Katarina Plavac Mali is a highly regarded red wine produced in the Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia. This wine is crafted from the indigenous Plavac Mali grape variety, which thrives in the region's unique terroir. The vineyards of Korta Katarina are characterized by steep slopes and rocky soils, which contribute to the wine's exceptional quality and complexity. The winemaking process involves careful selection of grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine showcases a rich and full-bodied style, with notes of dark fruits, spices, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. Korta Katarina Plavac Mali is a true expression of the Pelješac Peninsula's winemaking heritage and is sure to impress wine enthusiasts.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Cheese
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$75.00
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2 Vintages Available
Bottle of Vinarija Dingač Vinogorje Pelješac Plavac from search results

Vinarija Dingač Vinogorje Pelješac Plavac

Vinarija Dingač

User Rating:
3.6
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.3
Vinarija Dingač Vinogorje Pelješac Plavac is made by the Dingač cooperative and winery was established way back in 1902. The owners consist of 330 cooperative members sharing 293 hectares of vineyards, of which the Dingač area accounts for 42.65 hectares and the Postup area 28.59. In the 100 plus years of its existence, Dingač wine has developed into a status symbol, a divine liquid that owes its quality to the rigorous, traditional standards of the area. Although somewhat steeper, the Dingač wine growing area is similar to that of Postup. Its wine of the same name, employs equally exacting standards of soil management, grape cultivation and wine aging, although subtle changes exist due to a slightly different topography and micro-climate. The native grape of both regions – Plavac Mali, is referred to by locals as “the blood of the soil” due to its deep red colour and the rich soil of the same colour that it flourishes in. Both vineyards enjoy the positive effects of what’s referred to as triple insolation, a process where sunlight combines with reflected sunlight from the surrounding rocks and sea. It’s this natural process that creates the Plavac Mali grape, a truly unique fruit, renowned for its high sugar content, an important wine quality characteristic.
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Food Pairing:
Duck And Goose
Ham And Bacon
Innards
Beef
Chicken
Pasta
Vegetable
Pizza
Cheese
Game
Mushroom
Casserole
Turkey
Risotto
Boar
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$10.99
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2 Vintages Available
Bottle of Zlatan Otok Plavac Šibenik from search results

Zlatan Otok Plavac Šibenik

Zlatan Otok

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Zlatan Otok Plavac Šibenik is a premium red wine produced by Zlatan Otok Winery in the Šibenik appellation of Croatia. The vineyards are located on steep slopes overlooking the Adriatic Sea, providing ideal growing conditions for the Plavac Mali grape variety. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine is full-bodied and complex, with notes of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of smokiness. Zlatan Otok Plavac Šibenik is a perfect choice for those who appreciate a bold and flavorful red wine with a unique character.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Steak
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$19.58
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1 Vintage Available
Bottle of Rizman Primus Plavac Mali from search results

Rizman Primus Plavac Mali

Rizman

User Rating:
3.9
Highly Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Rizman Primus Plavac Mali, the inaugural creation of the Rizman Winery, stands as a testament to Croatia's winemaking heritage. Crafted from the renowned Plavac Mali grape, recognized as an offspring to Zinfandel or Primitivo, this wine embodies the rich terroir of Dalmatia's steep south-facing slopes in the Komarna winegrowing area. The organic vineyards, characterized by limestone-rich karst soil, contribute to the exceptional acidity and freshness of the wine, ensuring remarkable aging potential. Handpicked from the best plots, Primus undergoes a meticulous selection process, revealing the full character of Plavac Mali with a modern winemaking approach. Following fermentation in controlled conditions, the wine ages in new French and American oak barrique barrels for 12 months, culminating in a profound expression of concentrated fruitiness, freshness, and complexity. Released into the market after at least 6 months of post-barrique aging, Rizman Primus Plavac Mali captures the essence of Dalmatian viticulture in every sip.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Burger, Sandwich And Wrap
Pasta
Vegetable
Asian Food
Pizza
Cheese
Game
Lasagna
Duck And Goose
Ham And Bacon
Innards
Mushroom
Casserole
Turkey
Risotto
Boar
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$45.00
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1 Vintage Available