Bibich Sangreal Shiraz 2016

Drink now through to 2030. Decant 1 hour before serving.

The Sangreal Shiraz is Alen Bibić’s iconic wine and the epitome of his dream to show the world what Croatian winemakers are capable of. Alen’s family have been local winemakers here in northern Dalmatia for generations. Amongst his fondest memories are the many times he would help his grandfather work the vines in the prized Lučica family vineyard where he now makes some of his finest wines.

Alen’s 40-year old Shiraz vines are planted in the village of Plastovo close to Skradin where the cooling breezes from the Adriatic Sea help the grapes to retain decent acidity levels and the abundant sunshine ensures optimal ripeness. After the grapes are harvested by hand during the autumn, Alen then matures the wine in French oak barrels up to 18 months before he decides it is ready for release.

Thanks to the ideal climatic conditions and prized limestone-based soils, the Sangreal Shiraz is a finely balanced wine that exudes aromas and flavours of dark wild berries, sweet spices and hints of mint and sage. The well-rounded texture, full body and firm tannins make an excellent match for game, hearty beef stews or charcuterie. For those who have the patience, this intense red is an ideal candidate for extended cellar ageing and will continue to evolve and develop over the next decade or so.