Ivica Pilizota Winery Babic 2019

Grape	Babić
Producer	Ivica Piližota
Region	Primošten, Northern Dalmatia, Croatia
Vintage	2019
Farming	Organic
Aging	Stainless steel + 6 months Slavonian oak
Style	Medium-full red

Babić is an indigenous red grape variety grown almost exclusively in Dalmatia, producing dark, dense, and complex wines with a specific character that no international variety replicates. The Piližota family has brought exceptional quality back to the Babić varietal, creating the traditional expression of the wine as it should be.

The Producer — Ivica Piližota, Primošten

The vineyards are in Primošten, Croatia — a location so stunning it is being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The dry-stone vineyard walls, called suhozid, have been built and maintained for centuries to create terraces that hold water and protect the vines from the fierce Dalmatian summer. Farming is organic. The commitment to the Babić grape is total.

Winemaking

Aged first in stainless steel to preserve fruit character, then six months in Slavonian oak to soften the tannins and add structure before bottling. Minimal intervention throughout.

Tasting Notes

Earthy and laced with dark, warm fruit and spices on the nose — aromas of ripe blackberries, blueberries, plums, and figs. The palate is smooth with mouthwatering acidity, a gamey, savoury quality, and slight tannins that allow for a gentle, lingering finish. Classic Dalmatian character.

How to Serve

Serve at 16–18°C. Can be enjoyed now or held for another 3–5 years. No need to decant, though it opens up nicely with 20 minutes of air.

Food Pairing

Grilled lamb, roast pork, game, hearty stews, aged hard cheese. The classic Dalmatian pairing of Babić with roast lamb and rosemary is one of the great regional food-and-wine combinations in the Mediterranean.

Learn more: Croatian natural wine — the complete guide