When you get to hangout at Wines of the Saints then you know, you are living a Croatian wine country dream. After a brief stay in Dubrovnik's historic center, off we went to the Pelješac Peninsula on a wine adventure. Our spring time travels took us through charming family-owned Pelješac Peninsula vineyards, a sub-region of the South Dalmatia wine region. Saints Hills Winery is located in the Pelješac Peninsula village of Oskorušno. This boutique family winery, built on the site of an old stone house, is the perfect place to kick-off a Croatian wine journey.
We were indeed excited to begin our wine country explorations at Saints Hills Winery.
Saints Hills Winery, Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia
Croatia has four wine regions: Istria and Kvarner, Dalmatia, Slavonia and Danube, and Upland Croatia. Dalmatia's Pelješac Peninsula, with its inspiring landscape, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rugged cliffs attracts outdoor enthusiasts. For sure there is lots to explore along, its coastline's hidden coves and bays, trails, and of course, let's not forget olive groves and vineyards. Besides enjoying the Pelješac Peninsula natural beauty, it is a paradise for oenophiles, a region renowned for its robust red wines, particularly Plavac Mali.
Welcome to Croatia's Wines of the Saints
Upon arrival we toured the winery (vinaria) and enjoyed learning about its operations. The staff at Saints Hills Winery went over and beyond in welcoming us on that cool April day.
Saints Hills Winery was founded in 2006. This family winery's dream is to present Croatian wines that are made in a modern way, and respectful of nature. Their children (Lucia, Roko and Ante), as are each of their vineyards (St. Lucia, St. Roch and St. Anthony), and olive orchard, are named after a saint. Hence Saints Hills wines can be appropriately referred to as Wines of the Saints. Moreover, to ensure the production of quality wines, Michel Rolland, a family friend and world renown oenologist, is a consultant with the winery.
We began our winery tour in the tank room. Here we learnt about the various fermentation processes.
Their cellar, where the special wine bottles are stored, is quite stunning. Seeing the Treasury Room on their website is no substitute for being there.
Throughout the property there were signs of ongoing spring activities. I loved seeing the flower boxes.
Perhaps few insights into the Pelješac Peninsula Saints Hills wines should be made with Dingač and Postup appellations where its Plavac Mali grapes are grown.
Pelješac Peninsula's Dingač and Postup Appellations
Plavac Mali, the best known Croatian wine, the nation's most sought-after red wine, is one of Croatia's most planted varieties. It was the first Croatian grape to have its own appellation, Dingač. The Dingač appellation on Dalmatia's Pelješac Peninsula was established in 1961. Plavac Mali thrives here where it receives lots of sunshine and heat, and minimal rain during the late spring and summer. Wines bearing the Dingač name come from the southwest facing slopes on the steep coastline between the small villages of Trstenik and Podobuce.
Dingač, Croatia’s first appellation, continues to showcase Croatian Plavac Mali wine today.
Just a little west of Dingač, overlooking the bay of Orebic and the island of Korubuc beyond, are the vineyards of the Postup appellation. The Postup and Dingač appellations are the best-known examples of Plavac Mali wines. Plavac Mali gives low grape yields, producing concentrated wines. The result is Plavac Mali wines are rich, age-worthy red wines. Postup wines, although not quite as full-bodied, or complex as those of Dingač, are richer than those produced in mainland locations.
Saints Hills also produces Plavac Mali from grapes grown in the Komarna wine region, Croatia's youngest appellation. Komarna is located between the historic cities of Split and Dubrovnik. It is the first entirely ecologically certified region in the country. While its Plavac Mali is different, elegant with pronounced red fruit notes, more mature tannins, and less jam and plum notes, but not concentrated and powerful as those from renowned Dingač and Postup appellations. Valentina Silovic, Wine & More provides a comprehensive Plavac Mali overview of the different wine areas.
Winery visitors can enjoy a wine tasting on one of their patio areas. The terrace patio overlooking the vineyard is perhaps the favorite.
At Saints Hills restaurant, you can pair a gourmet dinner with their wines. We did have this privilege during our visit. Thanks to our host Josefina Muscianisi Soldati, and to Chef Ivana Bjeliš. Josefina, has extensive experience in the wine industry. For me this experience was a lovely way to appreciate the property while learning about Croatian wine. We tasted some exceptional bottles of wine while we enjoyed a Michelin-worthy meal. During my wine travels I have experienced no shortage of great restaurants; so I know what it means to taste food that is made with love. It was a meal to remember and Chef Ivana created vegetarian version of her menu in addition to the regular version. Dishes tend to follow traditional Dalmatian recipes with a little twist from the chef who prepares food made with love. All ingredients are fresh and local, and vegetables and spices are grown in their garden. From beginning to end, we enjoyed every single bite. This is a chief is driven by passion and who cooks because she loves it so much.
When I think about our experience at Saints Hills, I recall how generous they were to us. We will always remember our Saints Hills experience.
Given Saints Hills produces Croatian wines outside Pelješac region we were able to explore these as well. Saints Hills has vineyards in Istria and Komarna. We began our wine tasting with an Istria Sauvignon Semillion blend.
This is a most delightful Plavac Mali rosé wine.
February 2021 Notes: Tasting of Saints Hills Plavac Mali Wines
My Plavac Mali wine adventure began with some research on this wine.
Decanting Wines of the Saints © Spaswinefood
Vineyard Sv. Roko is located near the base of the scenic Pelješac peninsula, just north of the point where it becomes the mainland. This region is called Komarna, known for winegrowing since the Middle Ages. The mystical, southwest slopes of St. Roko are extremely steep, extremely difficult to cultivate, and extremely full of limestone which protects the vine from drought. To survive, the vine has to grow deep under a protective layer to find the fertile red soil. Exposed to the sun and wind, the vineyards offer spectacular views of the bay, the sea and the Pelješac peninsula. These are extreme conditions for making wine, where no one has made it before.
This full bodied, dry wine of a clear ruby red color with purple nuances, is very often referd to as “The Sun’s Child”. The nose is full of rich fruity aromas of blueberry, blackberry and plum, followed by aromas of mediterranean spice such as mint and basil, and some oregano. The texture is complex, layered with fine aromas of vanilla and dark chocolate, plums and figs,as well as some earthy elements. The finish is long, with notes of berry fruit and black pepper. It is differed by very fine minerallity and freshness.
Food pairing: Osso-bucco, roasted pork.
The nose of this wine is dominated by aromas of ripe red strawberries that are intermixed with those of cream, clove and hints of earthy elements. Aromas of Mediterranean spices and vegetation characterize wine of ruby red color. A warm and full-bodied wine of very pleasant acidity, dominated by chocolate and ripe fruit. Intensive notes of coffee with nutty elements in the background round up this rich Plavac Mali.
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