In central and southern Dalmatia vineyards extend by the sea and along the coast. However, some plants are also located in the hinterland. Here, the climate is more or less continental, but on the coasts, the Mediterranean influence is clearly noticeable; the Mediterranean Sea does not cause too many differences between day and night, but on warm days it brings cool breezes that cool down the vineyards. Further away from the sea and without its moderating influence, spring frosts can occur.
The soil is mostly red earth on limestone, but the best wines are produced where the soil is poor and the earth layer is quite thin. Viticulture is also practiced on the islands off the coast and it is mainly the white Prosek, which is very popular here, that is produced.
Gradually, the wineries are being renovated and modernised, so that one can expect a lot from this region in the future, but already now some wines present themselves as very promising. Much of the wine is made from indigenous varieties, especially Plavac Mali, from which some powerful and rich wines are produced. In higher, cooler locations, however, it becomes more elegant and is medium-bodied. White wines are made from the Marastina and Vulcava varieties. International grape varieties are also gaining in importance.
The absolute star in this corner of Croatia is Miljenko Grgic, a native of Dalmatia who, with his Grgich Hills winery in Napa Valley, is one of the icons in California. On the Peljesac peninsula, he produces probably the best wines in the region.
