Saints Hills Dingac 2019

Cellar for up to 13 years. No need to decant before serving. Very much a family-run business, the Saints Hills winery is headquartered in an ancient stone house which was formerly a winery before its owners emigrated to the Americas some 80 years ago. Today the new owners specialise in producing traditional local wines with family members involved in every aspect of the estate from giving tours to visitors to preparing delicious French dishes for guests at the winery. Although only founded in 2014, the winery already has prime vineyards in three key Croatian wine regions; the Peljesac peninsula, on the Dalmatian mainland, and in Istria. This stunning Plavac Mali comes from Dingac on the Peljesac peninsula, the first area to be given its own appellation in Croatia in 1961. Plavac Mali thrives here thanks to the steep hillsides and hot summer days which are moderated by cooling breezes from the nearby sea. All of the work in the vineyard must be done by hand due to the severe incline, with each individual berry carefully inspected in the winery. After vinification the young wine matures in French oak barrels for 18-24 months to add extra polish and complexity. It’s a powerful, full-throttled red which is bursting with succulent dark berries, spiced notes and hints of granite, leather and sunbaked earth. A great wine to cellar for a few years or serve now alongside roast beef, hearty stews, or even barbecued ribs.

Price: £50.92 from 8wines UK