Wines Pelješac Saints Hills - Ernest Tolj Dingač - 2020

Saints Hills’ Cuvée Ernest Tolj Dingač 2020 hails from the esteemed Pelješac peninsula in southern Dalmatia, Croatia, a region renowned for crafting powerful and characterful red wines. While some information about grape varieties isn't fully confirmed, it's likely this wine draws inspiration from Pelješac’s leading indigenous red grape varieties, traditionally dominated by Plavac Mali. Lovers of full-bodied reds will find this cuvée impressively structured, with a deep colour and a bouquet that might evoke blackberries, dried figs and Mediterranean herbs, framed by subtle oak influence. The 2020 vintage enjoys a fine balance of sunny ripeness and freshness, a testament to attentive vineyard work and a careful approach to vinification, preserving both richness and integrity of fruit.

Pelješac lies within Dalmatia, a coastal region where vineyards are etched into steep, sun-drenched slopes with thin, stony soils overlooking the Adriatic Sea. These challenging conditions yield intensely concentrated grapes. The Dingač appellation itself is Croatia’s oldest protected wine region, prized for its wild, rugged beauty and for red wines of remarkable character. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, and a winemaking tradition stretching back centuries, blending ancient practices with modern finesse.

This robust Dalmatian red pairs beautifully with richly flavoured dishes. Consider enjoying it with grilled lamb, slow-cooked game or hearty beef stews. For a regional touch, try it alongside traditional Croatian fare such as pašticada (Dalmatian beef stew), or robust cheeses like Paški sir. The wine’s structure and fruit intensity also suit Mediterranean vegetables roasted with herbs or earthy mushroom risottos.

For the best tasting experience, decant the wine for at least an hour to let its aromas fully open. Serve it at a temperature between 16-18°C to highlight both its fruit depth and refined tannins. This wine holds potential for short- to medium-term cellaring, rewarding a few more years of patience if desired.