23rd of October saw the first ever Dalmatian Wine Icons Event held in Split. This is a wine show featuring many of the best wines of this important wine region. It did not disappoint.
Croatian wine is gaining international acclaim at a breakneck speed, and this is hardly news anymore. The most recent Decanter World Wine Awards confirms this with over two hundred medals going to Croatia. Interestingly, wines from Dalmatia took home more gold and platinum medals than all other Croatian regions combined. This indicates a possible shift in power as the country’s most diverse wine region positions itself as the home of top quality wines of all styles.
Quality and Diversity of Dalmatian Wine
It seems this is the perfect year for a new wine event that celebrates the achievements of Dalmatian winemakers. Dalmatian Wine Icons 2021 is noteworthy for another reason. Each of the winemakers present on the show could only showcase two of their wines. So, the line up on display was quite impressive. Some of the best wines of the Croatian south were there. Along with well-established wineries like Tomic, Krajancic, Markus, Skaramuca or Zlatan Otok, it was wonderful to see some exciting newcomers like Senjkovic, Vislander or Katich. Together with the quality on display, the event fulfilled its other goals - it showcased the authenticity, and diversity of the region.
Dalmatia has been popular for strong red wines made from Plavac Mali variety for decades. Today, it is an absolute treasure trove of delicious local wines made mostly from indigenous varieties. The range is great whether we are talking about white wines, rosés or reds. Different micro regions of Dalmatia are able to produce almost any style or wine to an enviable standard of quality.
Well Organised Event
Special mention goes to the organisers. Vino Dalmacije is an Association that gathers many of the most renowned Dalmatian winemakers. They are heading Dalmatian Wine Icons. The organisation of the event itself was done by Vinart and it went off without any problems. Space used for the event was the campus restaurant at University of Split and it was a perfect setting with plenty of space and light. Also, anti-COVID measures at the entrance did not cause any delays. Wine workshops preceded the main event. These included those exploring Dalmatian rosés, aged white wines and lesser known local varieties.
So, if you’ve missed Dalmatian Wine Icons this year, make sure to visit it in 2022 as the organisers seem set at making this a regular annual event. Dalmatia deserves it.
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