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Plavac Mali

Plavac Mali is a red grape variety native to Croatia and one of the most important grapes in the Dalmatian region. Plavac Mali has long been confused with Tribidrag (Zinfandel). However DNA-analysis has shown, that it is a cross between Tribidrag and the native Dobričić. Plavac Mali produces wines with a deep ruby colour, intense aromas and a unique taste profile.

Colour, Aromas and Taste Profile

Plavac Mali wines possess intense aromas of dark fruits, such as blackberries and plums, as well as hints of spice and herbs. On the palate, they are full-bodied and robust, with powerful tannins and balanced acidity. The wines have a long finish and hints of smoky oak.

Fresh Plavac Mali grapes on the vine

Regional Features & Food Pairings

The Plavac Mali grapes are blue and thick-skinned, making them relatively resistant to disease. The variety can reach high sugar levels. Plavac Mali is typically picked late in the season, when the sugar levels reach their peak but the acidity is still in balance. The wines produced from Plavac Mali are full-bodied,high in alcohol with balanced acidity and a powerful tannic structure. Plavac Mali is oftend blended with international grape varieties, including Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon but also indigeneous varieties from Croatia. These wines are usually aged in oak barrels, which adds complexity and helps to soften the tannins. Some wines can reach alcohol levels upto 17 %. Plavac Mali wines are best enjoyed with grilled or roasted meats, such as beef, lamb or pork. The wines also pair well with hard cheeses and dishes that are rich in flavour.

Foods to pair with Plavac Mali:

Deep fried
Beef
Game
Sausage
Smoky
Fish
Fun Fact about Plavac Mali
Plavac Mali is a traditional wine in Croatia and is often served at weddings and other special occasions.

Top Wines with Plavac Mali

Bottle of Zlatan Otok Plavac from search results

Zlatan Otok Plavac

Zlatan Otok

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Zlatan Otok Plavac" is a distinguished wine produced on the picturesque island of Hvar and the southern slopes of the Croatian mainland, areas renowned for their ideal viticultural conditions. This wine is crafted by Zlatan Otok, a winery that has gained acclaim for its dedication to quality and its focus on indigenous Croatian grape varieties, particularly the Plavac Mali. Plavac Mali, a relative of Zinfandel, thrives in the rugged, sun-drenched Dalmatian coast, where the steep, rocky vineyards overlook the Adriatic Sea. These challenging growing conditions result in grapes of concentrated flavors, making Plavac Mali wines known for their depth and intensity. Zlatan Otok employs traditional winemaking methods combined with modern technology to express the unique terroir of their vineyards, resulting in wines that are both powerful and elegant.
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Food Pairing:
Chicken
Pasta
Duck And Goose
Innards
Ham And Bacon
Turkey
Mushroom
Risotto
Boar
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$27.25
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2 Vintages Available
Bottle of Korta Katarina Plavac Mali from search results

Korta Katarina Plavac Mali

Korta Katarina

User Rating:
4.1
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Korta Katarina Plavac Mali is a highly regarded red wine produced in the Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia. This wine is crafted from the indigenous Plavac Mali grape variety, which thrives in the region's unique terroir. The vineyards of Korta Katarina are characterized by steep slopes and rocky soils, which contribute to the wine's exceptional quality and complexity. The winemaking process involves careful selection of grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine showcases a rich and full-bodied style, with notes of dark fruits, spices, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. Korta Katarina Plavac Mali is a true expression of the Pelješac Peninsula's winemaking heritage and is sure to impress wine enthusiasts.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Cheese
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$75.00
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2 Vintages Available
Bottle of Vinarija Dingač Vinogorje Pelješac Plavac from search results

Vinarija Dingač Vinogorje Pelješac Plavac

Vinarija Dingač

User Rating:
3.6
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.3
Vinarija Dingač Vinogorje Pelješac Plavac is made by the Dingač cooperative and winery was established way back in 1902. The owners consist of 330 cooperative members sharing 293 hectares of vineyards, of which the Dingač area accounts for 42.65 hectares and the Postup area 28.59. In the 100 plus years of its existence, Dingač wine has developed into a status symbol, a divine liquid that owes its quality to the rigorous, traditional standards of the area. Although somewhat steeper, the Dingač wine growing area is similar to that of Postup. Its wine of the same name, employs equally exacting standards of soil management, grape cultivation and wine aging, although subtle changes exist due to a slightly different topography and micro-climate. The native grape of both regions – Plavac Mali, is referred to by locals as “the blood of the soil” due to its deep red colour and the rich soil of the same colour that it flourishes in. Both vineyards enjoy the positive effects of what’s referred to as triple insolation, a process where sunlight combines with reflected sunlight from the surrounding rocks and sea. It’s this natural process that creates the Plavac Mali grape, a truly unique fruit, renowned for its high sugar content, an important wine quality characteristic.
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$10.99
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2 Vintages Available
Bottle of Zlatan Otok Plavac Šibenik from search results

Zlatan Otok Plavac Šibenik

Zlatan Otok

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Zlatan Otok Plavac Šibenik is a premium red wine produced by Zlatan Otok Winery in the Šibenik appellation of Croatia. The vineyards are located on steep slopes overlooking the Adriatic Sea, providing ideal growing conditions for the Plavac Mali grape variety. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine is full-bodied and complex, with notes of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of smokiness. Zlatan Otok Plavac Šibenik is a perfect choice for those who appreciate a bold and flavorful red wine with a unique character.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Steak
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$19.58
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1 Vintage Available
Bottle of Rizman Primus Plavac Mali from search results

Rizman Primus Plavac Mali

Rizman

User Rating:
3.9
Highly Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Rizman Primus Plavac Mali, the inaugural creation of the Rizman Winery, stands as a testament to Croatia's winemaking heritage. Crafted from the renowned Plavac Mali grape, recognized as an offspring to Zinfandel or Primitivo, this wine embodies the rich terroir of Dalmatia's steep south-facing slopes in the Komarna winegrowing area. The organic vineyards, characterized by limestone-rich karst soil, contribute to the exceptional acidity and freshness of the wine, ensuring remarkable aging potential. Handpicked from the best plots, Primus undergoes a meticulous selection process, revealing the full character of Plavac Mali with a modern winemaking approach. Following fermentation in controlled conditions, the wine ages in new French and American oak barrique barrels for 12 months, culminating in a profound expression of concentrated fruitiness, freshness, and complexity. Released into the market after at least 6 months of post-barrique aging, Rizman Primus Plavac Mali captures the essence of Dalmatian viticulture in every sip.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Burger, Sandwich And Wrap
Pasta
Vegetable
Asian Food
Pizza
Cheese
Game
Lasagna
Duck And Goose
Ham And Bacon
Innards
Mushroom
Casserole
Turkey
Risotto
Boar
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$45.00
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1 Vintage Available