Croatia — wine

Peljesac Peninsula

Croatia's most celebrated red wine zone, on the steep south-facing slopes of the Peljesac Peninsula in Dalmatia. The Dingac PDO was Croatia's first protected wine designation (1961), producing some of the country's most powerful and concentrated reds from the indigenous Plavac Mali grape — a close genetic relative of Zinfandel/Primitivo. The extreme south-facing cliffs drop directly to the Adriatic, concentrating heat and limiting yields dramatically.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Exceptional Adriatic heat reflected off limestone cliffs; Plavac Mali of rare concentration and depth
2022 Very good Dalmatian vintage; deep, structured Dingac with excellent aging potential
2021 Slightly wetter year; lighter style but with the characteristic wild herbs and dark fruit character
2020 Outstanding vintage on Peljesac; greatest Plavac Mali concentration in recent years
2019 Classic Dalmatian vintage with good balance of power and freshness