Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days of Summer

Let us spur some “hot” conversations:

• Did you know that the saying “dog days of summer” has to do with planets’ alignment and not the dreaded heat?  Sirius is known colloquially as the “Dog Star”, reflecting its prominence in its constellation, Canis Major (the Greater Dog) in the northern hemisphere, and it is generally the brightest in the months of July and August.
• But, the Ancient Greeks observed that the appearance of Sirius as the morning star heralded the hot and dry summer and feared that the star caused “plants to wilt, men to weaken, and women to become aroused.”  (at least according to a scientific book by J. B. Holberg (2007): Sirius: Brightest Diamond in the Night Sky. Chichester, UK.)

While you wow or “vau” over these topics, we know a particular dog that can handle the heat –– the Dalmatian. It originally comes from Dalmatia, the old Roman province which is now the southernmost wine region in Croatia.

Despite the heat, we have been holding a number of events — four in the past two weeks on both coasts — and more upcoming soon. Check them out on our Events Page.

In honor of Sirius being at its brightest right now, we offer a 15% discount this week on the Dalmatian dog labels we carry in our portfolio – Babić, a red grape growing in the Šibenik and Primošten area; a blend of Babić and Plavac Mali; and one from the Plavac Mali grape from two different vineyards.

• Testament Dalmatian Dog Babić — Red wine with lively ruby color and a scent of Maraska sour cherry and aromatic herbs. The taste is fruity with a vibrant and fresh medium body. Fermented with skin contact for 7 days. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Stainless steel. Serve slightly chilled. Pairs with tuna crudo.
• Testament Dalmatian Dog Babić + Plavac – An aromatic and tasty blend of Babić and Plavac Mali, is a new addition to the Dalmatian Dog family of wines.  The sour cherry fruity notes of Babić mellow the Plavac tannins, making it a light and enjoyable combination, even though it is made in stainless steel only. Can be chilled. Pairs with blue fish dishes, or pizza.
• Saints Hills Black Dalmatian Plavac Mali – this oaked Plavac Mali is made by combining grapes from two appellations – Komarna and Dingač. It has been fermented in cement tanks, then transferred to oaked barrels.  This wine has complex notes of dark berries and with its strong tannins it is best decanted. Pairs with lamb, steak, or mushroom risotto.

And to round the selection for the Dog Days heat, we add three light chillable reds to the discount list:

• Delmati Biokovo Plavka
• Ilok Kapistran
• Matuško Plavac Mali

We will continue our bundles with a 10% discount

• All-Croatian Bundle
• Summer Bundle

We hope to see you at some of our upcoming Croatian wine inspired events.

Živjeli!

Mirena and Win