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Dalmatia Rising: A wine renaissance on the Croatian coast

With winemaking roots that date to the ancient Illyrians, Dalmatian wine culture thrived across eras and empires. As a new generation takes up their forefathers' mantle, modern takes on the region's myriad indigenous and historical varieties are raising the bar, and the profile of Dalmatia. As DWWA medals and scores can attest, the wines of Dalmatia are on the rise, North American Editor Clive Pursehouse paid the region a visit.

Dalmatia is a modern-day paradise, perched along Croatian’s Adriatic coast. Tourists the world over flock to its crystal blue waters and enchanting ancient towns from Dubrovnik to Split and Zadar on the region’s northern limit, their red roofs basking in the sun.

Dalmatia’s coast and plentiful islands have long harboured a wine culture built on indigenous grape varieties that are tough to say and spell owing to their Slavic roots and abundant consonants.

The flagship wine for Dalmatia has long been Plavac Mali, a hearty red variety known for its higher alcohols and ample tannins. But as the region becomes a summertime playground for tourists and serious wine drinkers beginning to explore Dalmatia’s myriad varieties, a lighter, fresher style is being sought in red and white wines.

I recently visited the region twice after a 10-year hiatus and was taken by the wines being produced today and the fresh, youthful energy driving a wine renaissance.


Scroll down for the tasting notes and scores from some of Dalmatia’s rising stars



Dalmatia rising: 15 wines from the region’s top producers


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