The best wines of Dalmatia
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Published: 22.08.2018.
It is well known that good and quality wine should be combined with a significant selection of vine varieties for a given area, according to the number of sunny days per year, average annual temperature and soil system, with a variety of wine producers' abilities that, in one word, we can call it art, because its production requires the special climatic conditions, knowledge and traditions of the manufacturer.
Due to the abundance of the sun's heat and the karstic soil on which vineyards are grown, Dalmatian wines are among the best ones, and we can freely say that Dalmatia is the last wine paradise in the world.
Prior to his death, Anthony Bourdain, a world renowned chef, visited Croatia. Croatian gastronomy left him breathless, but what made him promise to return was the wine. Although produced in virtually experimental quantities and originating from a country that cannot be compared to other wine capitals by popularity, Croatian wines are slowly but surely becoming more famous, their quality placing them at the top of the world charts and slowly gain a reputation similar to the world-renowned French, Californian, Chilean and German wines. It is increasingly recognizing the potential of Croatian wines in tourism and are very popular walks of vineyards combined with wine tastings and tasting of autochthonous cuisine - wine and walk!
We present you the top 15 Dalmatian wines:
Dingač - the most famous Croatian wine, known as "the king of all Croatian wines". The top quality wine from the grape variety Plavac mali is called the cretan part of the Pelješac peninsula - Dingač. In 196. in Geneva, Dingač became the first Croatian wine whose production and origin were protected. It is specific to high alcohol content - the average is 15%. It is dark red to purple-colored. His taste is bitter and frustrating and he feels a fruity aroma. We recommend eating it with red meat, game, goulash and hard cheeses.
Babić - a black wine produced from the native autochthonous grape variety, named after the family that produces this wine. It is dense in structure and has recognizable fruity aromas. This variety, especially when it comes to top-quality wine, best suffers on rough, rocky soil in the area above Primošten, so-called Primošten terraces. Babić is best to drink with Dalmatian prosciutto and more savory cheeses, pastries and grilled meat.
Pošip - sommeliers believe that the future ahead of pošip is bright. The first sip reveals a floral note, but after it rests for a while come through the distinct Mediterranean flavors, such as healing herbs and dried fruit. Because of the complex taste of this Croatian autochthonous white wine variety, it's suggested not to cool it at all, but to keep it at room temperature. It best complements black risotto, but due to the fullness of the taste it will go beautifully even with simple meals based around white meat.
Vugava - this white wine produces from an autochthonous vugava variety that grows exclusively on the most distant Mediterranean Dalmatian island of Vis. Vugava has a fresh, fruity aroma and creamy texture. The glory of vugava from Vis extends to the ancient times. Some people say that the Greek historian Agatarhid thought of this wine when he wrote that Issa's island wine was best compared to everyone else. Vugava is an ideal refreshment from the summer heat, served with white fish, seafood specialties and lamb under the bake.
The greek- the temperamental Grk chose sandy fields in Lumbarda, a small village on the island of Korčula, to be its home. It's unknown whether it got its name from its polished bitter taste (in Croatian grk means bitter, tart) or from the Greeks who inhabited Dalmatia 2000 years ago. Grk is a female flower and must be planted with pollinators, in this case plavac mali. With such incomplete fertilization, fewer berries are produced which are acidic and they are precisely the ones that make this white wine specifically sharp and refreshing. It is best to match it with seafood and fish dishes.
Plavac mali - is the most famous Croatian red wine on both domestic and foreign markets. In addition to its excellent quality, it is also cultivated to help grow grk, with which it shares the affinity for the sandy, sunbathed fields in Lumbarda. Its color resembles that of a ruby, it's rich and full of flavor which envelops the palate with its velvety aroma. It is best served with game dishes and homemade pašticada.
Cetinka - isn't as well known as other Croatian autochthonous varieties, it's popularity rarely reaching beyond it's home island of Korčula, in whose shady cove it hides. The first association when cetina is mentioned is its clear goldish color and equally unobtrusive taste, it is characterized by gentleness and lightness. Cetinka and fresh oysters are a match made in heaven.
Rukavac - in old times, this peculiar variety whose leaves look like a body with two hands was attributed the power to heal both the soul and body. Its origins are unknown, but it is presumed to be a companion to other varieties of white wine since the time of ancient Greece. This dessert wine has a beautiful gold color and equally gorgeous, dominantly fruity flavor. It should be served with fish and white meat dishes.
Faros - a top-quality black wine that deserves special attention to wine lovers because of its special bouquet, fullness and distinct varieties of aromas. It is produced from grape varieties of blueberry from the southern slopes of the island of Hvar, exclusively from the location of the Hvar beach. According to tradition, the vines were grown in these areas 2500 years ago, at the time of the Greek colony Faros, whereby the wine was named.
St. Ana - an exceptional, top-quality wine of the Pelješac peninsula, produced from grape maraština. It was named after the church dedicated to St. Ana, surrounded by vineyards, not far from the place Putnikovići. According to the tradition, Putnikovići residents raised the church to protect the vineyards from vultures of illness and torturers. The wine is of a distinctive taste and a gentle sort of scent.
The emperor wine - the selective harvest of the famous wine Postup is the only predicate wine from Dalmatia. During the harvest process, the selected part is separated and processed with special care. The donation says that the wine from Pelješac was given to the parish prize-maker for the king Tomislav's court, and the selected wine from Pelješac was also sent to the Imperial Court of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in Vienna.
Bogdanuša - a quality white wine produced from the grape variety from the Old Town-Jelsa vineyard on the island of Hvar. It should be noted that Bogdanuša is a homemade variety made exclusively on the island of Hvar.
Maraština - a quality wine from the island of Lastovo from the original dalmatian grape variety which, due to the climatic and pedological conditions of the island of Lastovo, achieves remarkable quality. Maraština is the only protected wine on the island.
Kaštelet - a quality wine with a geographical origin, produced in the region of Central and Southern Dalmatia. It is made from marjoram, trimmings, jellies and other high quality white grape varieties.
Prošek - Diocletian - a traditionally Dalmatian and natural dessert wine, made from the grapes of the most famous Dalmatian varieties, which, according to tradition, was produced by the Roman emperor Diocletian.
Is there a true in the wine? The sentence "In vino veritas" came from the peoples because it was noticed that after a certain amount of tasted wine, the man lost control and pronounced the truths that, without the action of wine, he would never tell. Is it true or myth it is up to you!?
https://www.livecamcroatia.com/en/blog/top-10-dishes-of-dalmatian-cuisine/