ZOI - Vineyards Pelješac (EU protection)

ZOI Ponikve + drywalls + wine degustation

GPS KOORDINATE: 42.848090738456875, 17.623591961861603

The Pelješac peninsula in the very south of Croatia is a true paradise for gourmets and wine lovers. In addition to enchanting every palate with shellfish and seafood delicacies of this region, Pelješac will leave a deep mark on every connoisseur of quality wine. Namely, Pelješac, that is, the viticultural location of Ponikve, is the proud holder of the European quality mark, that is, it is entered in the register of protected marks of origin. The ZOI Ponikve area extends from Prapratno cove in the southeast to Sparagovići in the northwest; on the territory of the cadastral municipality of Boljenovići near the town of Ston, within the Pelješac vineyards in the subregion of Central and South Dalmatia. These vineyards are maximally adapted to the relief and natural features of the peninsula - located on slopes with different degrees of inclination, bordered by drywalls that protected against strong winds and sun. The Mediterranean climate and specific brown and red soil give these wines an indigenous, fruity aroma. This area mainly produces red wines from the Plavac mali red variety and a smaller portion of white wines from the Maraština and Pošip white varieties.

Another specific feature of these vineyards are drywalls - buildings made of natural stone without the use of binding material, which have been used in these areas since prehistoric times. Drywalls were mostly used by farmers to protect crops from strong winds, but also to protect property boundaries or to fence off land from animals. In addition, drywall also has its function of securing the ground against collapse. If you have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of drywall from a height, you will understand why they are also called "stone lace". Drywall construction is often called the "architecture of survival" because that is what traditional construction is - architecture is conditioned by economic activities, it is self-sustaining in every respect, completely in harmony with nature, without accompanying harmful effects on the environment. Due to this, dry walls have been on the list of UNESCO's intangible world heritage since 2018.

Many residents of Pelješac have continued to produce top-quality indigenous wines, so the choice for tasting local wines is large and varied, and you will often have the opportunity to taste local delicacies along with the wines. However, one winery stands out, which is known for its truly original - Navis Mysterium (in translation, ship's secret) - wine aged at the bottom of the sea. At a depth of 50 meters, the wine ages faster and the conditions for maturation are more favourable, and they are stored in ordinary bottles and amphorae. The wine storage locations are secret, all but one - the one for which they offer the possibility of an excursion dive to the amphora at a depth of 15 meters.

Fun fact: All the vineyards in the ZOI Ponikve were raised by terracing the terrain or by bordering the vineyards with dry walls, and in this way a useful soil surface was obtained for growing vines and the impact of soil erosion was reduced. These vineyards are never irrigated because they tolerate dry periods very well due to the specific structure of the soil.