Dingač, Saint's Hills 2019 (750 ml)

95 poena – Falstaff

Dingač možda predstavlja najuzvišeniji izraz čuvene hrvatske crne sorte Plavac Mali. Obuhvatajući svega oko 80 hektara, vinogradi Dingača poznati su po obilju sunčeve svjetlosti i kamenitom tlu, a upravo je Dingač postao prva zaštićena vinska regija u Hrvatskoj. Područje se nalazi na poluostrvu Pelješac, neposredno sjeverno od utvrđenog grada Stona. Samo vino fermentiše u velikim drvenim bačvama i odležava oko 24 mjeseca u francuskim barrique buradima prije flaširanja.

Vino je intenzivne rubin crvene boje s purpurnim nijansama. Dobro izbalansirano i punog tijela, s mirisom u kojem dominiraju arome trešnje, kupine i borovnice, uz note čokolade, dima i mediteranskih začina poput origana, bosiljka i malo nane. Riječ je o snažnom vinu, iako su tanini zaobljeni i uljasti, a završetak začinjen i dugotrajan. Odlično se slaže s pečenim i grilovanim mesom, desertima od tamne čokolade, zrelim sirevima – ili jednostavno uz dobar cigar.

95 points - Falstaff

Dingač may be the ultimate expression of Croatia's famed red grape, Plavac Mali.  Comprising only about 80 hectares, the Dingač vineyards are noted for their ample sunshine and rocky soils, and was Croatia's first protected wine region.  The area is located on the Pelješac peninsula, just north of the walled town of Ston.  The wine itself ferments in big wooden vats and ages about 24 months in French oak barriques before being bottled.

The wine is an Intense ruby red with purple nuances. This is a well-balanced and full bodied wine with a nose dominated by aromas of cherry, blackberry and blueberry, as well as chocolate, smoke and Mediterranean spices including oregano, basil and some mint.  This is a powerful wine, though the tannins are rounded and oily and the finish is spicy and long-lasting.  This is an excellent pairing for roast and grilled meat dishes, dark chocolate desserts, aged cheese or simply a good cigar.