Wines Dingac Madirazza - Dingač - 2018

The 2018 Madirazza Cuvée Dingač hails from the renowned Dingač appellation on the Pelješac Peninsula in southern Dalmatia, Croatia. This region is famed for producing deeply coloured, robust red wines, most often based around the native Plavac Mali grape, although precise blend details are often proprietary or not fully disclosed. In the glass, you can expect an intense ruby hue and an expressive, sun-drenched character, with aromas typically recalling ripe black fruits, dried figs, Mediterranean herbs, hints of spice and a subtle minerality, owing to the region’s steep, stony slopes and abundant sunshine. The 2018 vintage benefitted from a warm, dry season, contributing to concentrated fruit and firm tannic structure, while careful vinification aims to respect tradition and extract both richness and elegance.

Dalmatia, and particularly the Dingač subzone, has a proud winemaking heritage that stretches back centuries. The celebrated terroir is shaped by a unique combination of steep, south-facing slopes that drop towards the Adriatic Sea, with soils of limestone and schist that lend minerality and freshness to the wines. The Mediterranean climate, with its hot summers and cooling sea breezes, enables grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with depth, warmth and excellent ageing potential.

This style of wine pairs beautifully with robust, flavourful dishes. Match it with grilled lamb, rich beef stews, or dishes featuring wild game to complement the wine’s structure. For a local touch, consider serving it alongside traditional Dalmatian fare such as pašticada (slow-cooked beef in red wine sauce) or octopus peka. Hard, aged cheeses and earthy mushroom dishes also work nicely with the wine’s savoury undertones.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this wine for at least an hour to allow its complex bouquet to unfurl. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, where its structure and aromatic complexity are best expressed. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for several more years to allow its flavours to develop further.