Pelješac Peninsula

Overview

The Pelješac Peninsula is a narrow, mountainous finger of land in southern Dalmatia, running roughly 65 kilometers between Split and Dubrovnik. Its steep, southwest-facing slopes rise directly from the Adriatic Sea, and the combination of limestone bedrock, intense sunshine, and reflected sea light produces some of Croatia's most concentrated red wines.

Dingač, Croatia's first protected wine appellation, and Postup, its second, are both located here and require 100 percent Plavac Mali. Producers such as Grgić Vina, founded by Napa winemaker Miljenko Grgić, Miloš Winery, and Saints Hills have brought international attention to Pelješac's powerful, saline reds.

Key Varietals

• Plavac MaliA bold, tannic red with dried fig, carob, dark cherry, and sea-salt notes.
• DingačA protected Plavac Mali appellation from the peninsula's steepest southwest slopes.
• PostupA slightly lighter but still powerful Plavac Mali appellation overlooking Korčula.
• RukatacA fresh white grape, also known as Maraština, grown in small amounts on Pelješac.