Character.
- Full-bodied and powerful, often 14 to 17 per cent alcohol
- Flavours of dark cherry, blackberry, dried fig, and pepper
- Savoury notes of carob and wild Mediterranean herbs
- Firm tannins with a warming finish
Croatia’s Flagship Red
Plavac Mali is the most important red grape of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Its name translates roughly as “small blue”, a reference to the little, deeply coloured berries that give the wine its inky depth. Bold, warming, and unmistakably Mediterranean, it is the benchmark red of the Adriatic.
A Noble Parentage
Plavac Mali is the natural offspring of two older Dalmatian varieties: Dobričić and Tribidrag. Tribidrag, also known as Crljenak Kaštelanski, is the same grape that the world knows as Zinfandel in California and Primitivo in Italy. Plavac Mali is therefore a direct descendant of Zinfandel, which helps explain its ripe, brambly character.
Tasting Plavac Mali
Expect a full-bodied, powerful red, typically 14 to 17 per cent alcohol. Classic flavours include:
- Fruit: Dark cherry, blackberry, dried fig, and plum
- Savoury: Black pepper, carob, and the wild Mediterranean herbs known as maquis
- Structure: Firm tannins, moderate acidity, and a warming finish
Where It Grows
The finest examples come from the steep, sun-drenched slopes of the Pelješac peninsula, above all the two celebrated crus of Dingač and Postup. Here the vines cling to rocky hillsides plunging towards the sea, reflecting sunlight off the water and stone to ripen the fruit to full concentration.
Food Pairings
Its power and structure make Plavac Mali a natural partner for hearty food:
- Grilled or slow-roasted lamb
- Barbecued and smoked meats
- Rich stews such as the Dalmatian pašticada
- Aged hard cheeses
Explore with Sommo
Scan a bottle of Plavac Mali with Sommo to learn about its region and style, and discover more about Croatian wine and its surprising link to Zinfandel.