How to say it: bah-bitch
Why it’s important: Babić is an elegant and versatile alternative to the full-bodied, tannic Plavac Mali. Babić is a relative of Plavac, but has higher acidity and significantly lighter tannin than its kin. Given its limited traditional growing area in northern Dalmatia, a respectable 287 hectares are planted.
Wine styles: The style and quality of Babić depends greatly on the location of the vineyard. It performs best on rocky, parched ground with little soil, such as the vineyards around Primošten and Rogoznica, on the northern Dalmatian coast. This results in small yields of concentrated fruit with excellent structure and flavor. The wines are spicy and rich, and respond well to restrained oak aging. Fields with deeper soil and greater water retention yield fruit suitable for blending, rosé or everyday varietal wines.
How to drink it: Babić can be paired with foods in much the same way as Pinot Noir. It is ideal with tuna, duck, root vegetables and mushrooms.
Little-known fact: The Babić vineyards around Primošten are being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the unique grid of short stone walls that enclose individual planting plots. The walls are often called stone lace because of their appearance from above (and a local tradition of lace making).
Babić to try: See our Babić tasting for six bottles to try. Others are Baraka, Birin, Divina, Ego, Markus, Mi and Testament.