Testament Winery: The Dalmation Dog Babić

This painting, The Last Supper, is by an unknown artist and was created around 1710. The painting hangs in a Franciscan monastery & museum in Zaostrog, Croatia. When I traveled to Croatia in 2019, I visited this monastery and museum and got to see this painting up close. Look at the bottom right side of the painting, at the spotted dog lying there. 

Here's a close-up of that dog, which is a Dalmatian. This painting is the first presentation in the world of the Dalmatian dog, and it's probable that this breed originated in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. 

The most recent Croatian wine I've tasted also has a Dalmatian dog on its label, and its name is even The Dalmatian Dog. It's produced by the Testament Winery, a relatively new winery located in Northern Dalmatia, near the town of Šibenik. The original owner planted vineyards, generally indigenous grapes, from 2007-2011, and it was then bought around 2017, by Zhoda Investments, and became the Testament Winery. 

The vineyard, covering about 47 hectares, is organic and the primary grape is Babić. The chief winemaker is Juraj Sladić, whose family has been involved in wine production for generations. The Sladić family winery, Vina Sladić, is presided over by Marinko Sladić, who is ready to pass on the estate to the next generation. Juraj is considered one of the most promising young winemakers in Croatia, and he's been making his mark at Testament. 

The 2018 Testament Winery The Dalmatian Dog Babić (about $25) is made from 100% Babić, also known as Rogoznička. Though its exact origins are unknown, it's been grown in Dalmatia for hundreds of years, and is related to Plavac Mali. Babić is grown in about 4% of Croatian vineyards and one of the best regions for this grape are the hills of Primošten. The grape also does best with lower yields, in less fertile soils, forcing it struggle. It also is age-worthy, and can benefit from some time in oak.

This particular wine though sees no oak, and Juraj's intention was to showcase the terroir without any oak influence. The wine was fermented with seven days of skin contact, and aged only in stainless steel. With a 14% ABV, the wine is dark red in color and has an enticing nose of black cherry, spice and herbs. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, and tastes fresh and fruity, with a spicy backbone and some herbal elements. Ripe plum, fig, and black cherry. Good acidity, a lengthy, pleasing finish and firm tannins. Delicious and satisfying. 

This is a wine that should be paired with food, from beef to hearty stews and pasta dishes. I paired it with chicken parmigiana and it went well with the red sauce, and didn't over-power the chicken. It earns a hearty recommendation and I want to seek out more Babić wines. Hopefully I'll get to taste more when I return to Croatia next month.