Wines Hvar PZ Svirce - Ivan Dolac Barrique - 2018

PZ Svirce’s Cuvée Ivan Dolac Barrique 2018 is a striking red wine from the idyllic island of Hvar, off the Dalmatian coast in Croatia. Though the precise blend is not specified, the region is acclaimed for its use of indigenous grapes such as Plavac Mali, which typically impart robust structure, lively acidity and fragrant dark fruit notes, often with hints of herbs and Mediterranean spice. Aged in barrique — small oak barrels — this cuvée is likely to exhibit a generous, complex nose, with subtle vanilla or toasted nuances layered over ripe berry fruit, perhaps with a touch of savoury depth. The 2018 vintage benefited from a warm and balanced growing season, potentially intensifying the wine’s richness and concentration.

Hvar itself is among Croatia’s most historic and distinctive wine regions, with island viticulture dating back to the Ancient Greeks. The terraced, sun-drenched vineyards face the cooling breezes of the Adriatic and are rooted in rocky, mineral-laden soils. This unique terroir, coupled with the consistent coastal sunlight, lends Hvar’s reds a remarkable intensity, freshness and age-worthiness — qualities prized by wine enthusiasts for generations. The region’s enduring wine culture is shaped by the harmony of Mediterranean climate and traditional craftsmanship, producing expressive wines with a clear sense of place.

This type of full-bodied, oak-aged Dalmatian red is an excellent partner for richly flavoured dishes. Traditional Croatian fare such as grilled lamb or pašticada — a slow-cooked beef stew in red wine and dried fruit — would beautifully complement the wine’s depth and structure. The wine’s dusky fruit and savoury notes also make it a fine match for roasted aubergine, wild mushroom risotto, or hard cheeses from the region.

For the best tasting experience, allow the wine to breathe after opening and serve it at 16-18°C. Enjoy discovering the distinctive character of Hvar in your glass.