Palm & Vine
  • Home
  • Free Resources
  • About Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
  • Contact Me
  • Wine
    • Tastings & Events
    • Wineries
    • World of Wine
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • Musings

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Social Links

Free Resources
Contact
Palm & Vine
Palm & Vine Palm & Vine
  • Wine
    • Wine Tastings & Events
    • World of Wine
    • Wineries
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • About
    • My Wine Lifestyle
    • Contact Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
    • Find Your Marketing Flavor Profile
    • Free Resources
  • WineComm 365
Plavac Mali
  • Rare Varieties

Plavac Mali – A “Little Blue” Grape Makes Powerful Wines

  • 4 minute read
Total
5
Shares
1
0
4

If you have never tried a Croatian wine, then Plavac Mali is an ideal place to begin. This is also the Croatian wine that is likely most accessible to you, as it’s amongst the top three most planted grape varieties in Croatia. More specifically, Plavac Mali is an indigenous variety to Dalmatia. If you’re not familiar with Dalmatia or Croatia, go look at a map. Dalmatia is that thin strip of land in Southern Croatia with Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east and the Adriatic Sea to the left. If you’ve ever been to Dubrovnik or seen an episode of Game of Thrones, then you are already familiar with Dalmatia. Actually, I wonder if Cersei was sipping on Plavac Mali when they were filming Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik…I digress.

Back to the wine! Even if you’ve tasted Croatian wines or Plavac Mali before, this is a fantastic wine to revisit as the best examples are powerful, rich, and boisterous.  

The Variety: Plavac Mali

In Croatian, the variety’s name translates to “little blue” and refers to the small, distinctively blueish grapes of Plavac Mali. If you love Zinfandel, then Plavac Mali could be another wine that you’ll adore. Research has show that Zinfandel is identical to the Croatian variety Crljenak Kaštelanski (also known as Tribidag). Plavac Mali is actually a cross between the Croatian Zinfandel and a lesser known variety called Dobričić.

According to Wine-Searcher, winemaker Mike Grgich initiated the research that led to this discovery. Mike was behind the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that ousted the French competition at the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting. He grew up on the Dalmatian coast and recognized the similarities between Zinfandel in America and the Plavac Mali he tasted when he was young. So, he engaged UC Davis researchers to further investigate the matter.

Plavac Mali

In The Glass

Plavac Mali ranges in style from rustic and homemade to more traditional and easy drinking to modern and complex. This is the wine that you will find in most restaurants and konoba (taverns or cellars) throughout Croatia. When made well, you can expect powerful, perfumed wines with dark berry flavors, like blackberry and black cherry, along with aromas of dried fig, spice, and carob. Oak-aged examples will also show more leather, cedar, baked fruit, and sweet spice aromas. The wines are typically medium to full bodied with high alcohol, powerful yet well-integrated tannins, and moderate acidity. The best examples will have a juicy, long-lasting finish.

Plavac Mali In The Vineyard

Plavac Mali is a low-yielding variety in the vineyard, yet the small, thick-skinned berries achieve a rather high sugar content. Therefore, you can expect these wines to have higher alcohol ranging from 13% – 15% on average, as well as higher tannins. Some wines may be produced with a bit of residual sugar to moderate the tannins and high alcohol. Additionally, this is a late-ripening variety that needs a lot of sunshine and warmth to achieve full maturation.

Climate And Soil of Dalmatia

Plavac Mali thrives on mainland Dalmatia, the Pelješac peninsula, and the islands of Hvar, Korčula, Vis, and Brač. All exhibit a Mediterranean climate with dry, warm summers and a lot of sunny days year-round. These conditions are ideal for producing full-bodied, developed wines. Plavac Mali is a variety that tends towards uneven ripening, so it needs all the sunshine it can get.

Winemaker Jo Ahearn, MW believes that the best Plavac Mali comes from Hvar where the variety is planted to steep slopes on the island. Sloped vineyards provide extra sunshine due to their aspect, as well as from the reflections of the sun off of the white soils (in Hvar) and the Adriatic Sea.

Traditionally, Dalmatian vineyards were planted to slopes along the coast. Though today, Croatians are planting more Plavac Mali vineyards inland where they experience a larger diurnal temperature change. Furthermore, there is increased soil variation near the regions of Skradin and Zadar in northern Dalmatia, which also translates to the wines. Otherwise, Dalmatia offers mostly stony, karst soils.

Plavac Mali

The Winery: Miloš 2016

For centuries, the Miloš family has lived in the Pelješac Peninsula. They were involved in agriculture and always cultivated vineyards. Following World War II, the family was forced to cease winemaking and sell their grapes to government owned wineries. With the fall of Communism, Frano Miloš was able to fulfill his and his family’s dream of making wine under the family name.

Miloš vineyards are nestled between the Pratpratno Cove and the Ponikve Village on the Pelješac Peninsula. Here Plavac Mali grows on rocky terrain. The vines receive ample circulation, light, and warmth amidst the slopes in this area. Check out Miloš winemaking philosophy for a better understanding of what it’s like to cultivate Plavac Mali here.

A man can truly reaffirm himself in his surroundings by continuously evolving and trying to create a better and nicer world.

Frano Miloš

Tasting Notes: Miloš Plavac Mali 2016

  • Medium intensity ruby red with red hues
  • Medium intensity aromas of black cherry, dried figs, blackberry, spice notes and pepper
  • Soft and grippy tannins, medium body with aromas of dried figs and showing more leather cedar, sweet spice notes on the palate
  • I would definitely buy this wine again
  • Reminiscent of Zinfandel, but a bit more refined and less robust

Pairing Suggestions

Plavac Mali is a fantastic wine to pair with smoked brisket, barbequed ribs, or grilled lamb burgers topped with feta, arugula, and a spicy aioli. I could even see this wine going perfectly with a branzino stuffed with aromatics and thrown on the grill. Paella or a seafood and sausage gumbo are other ideal pairings for Plavac Mali. For a simple pairing, this wine is fantastic with hard cheeses and charcuterie with bolder flavors.

Sources

Wind and Wine Croatia

Total Croatia Wine

Seven Fifty Daily

Guild Somm

Share 1
Tweet 0
Pin it 4

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Total
5
Shares
Share 1
Tweet 0
Pin it 4
Related Topics
  • Croatian Wine
  • International Wine
  • Red Wine
  • Wine Tasting
Previous Article
Goruli Mtsvane
  • Rare Varieties

Goruli Mtsvane – The Life of The Party

View Post
Next Article
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
  • World of Wine

Exclusive Look Inside Adelaida Vineyards & Winery

View Post

You May Also Like

Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties

Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties

Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

Grignolino from Monferrato
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Grignolino – A Rebellious Yet Noble Red Variety in Monferrato

Nascetta, Piedmont, white wine
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Nascetta – A Rare Variety Making Memorable Wines in Piemonte

Ferraris Ruché
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wineries

Discover Ruché with Ferraris Agricola

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Discover Your Digital Marketing Flavor Profile

Winery digital marketing, wine social media marketing, winery brand messaging
about

About

Hi, I’m Nikki. Welcome to Palm & Vine – a wine blog for the adventurous at heart. Allow me to guide you into the world of wine, help you create unforgettable wine pairings, and inspire your wine travels to far off destinations. I can’t wait to savor, sip, and wander together.
Read More

Let’s Connect!

Free resources
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Rare Varieties

  • Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
    • Rare Varieties

    Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
    • Rare Varieties

    Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
    • Rare Varieties

    Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
    • Rare Varieties

    Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
    • Rare Varieties

    Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post

Watch Wine Masters TV

wine masters TV, wine documentary, learn about wine, wine movies, gaja, mastroberardino, antinori, italian wine, french wine, spanish wine

Instagram

If you’re slinging wine, then you need to know how to write about it! Nothing groundbreaking, but at the very least you should be able to write enticing tasting notes...
📣📣 Calling all wine brands, wineries, wine shops, and wine businesses! I'm excited to share something I've been cooking up for you...
✨ Save this post for a must-try restaurant for the next time you find yourself in 📍Nuoro, Sardegna…
Are you ready to visit one of the world's most renowned wine regions with me?
Feels like it’s time for a little reintroduction 😊
My Saturdays are looking a lot different lately 😍😍 Our vineyard planting got pushed back a bit due to mother nature 🙏🏼 aka lots of rain, but IT’S ALMOST TIME! Worked on the fencing for our mountain site today to keep those wild 🐗 boars (and others) out 💪🏼
Follow

Posts You’ll Love

  • aromas in wine, wine tasting, red wine aromas, primary aromas
    Aromas in Wine: 25 of the Most Common Wine Aromas Explained
  • Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
    Exclusive Look Inside Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
  • Bud Break in Burgundy
    Bud Break, Flowering & Fruit Set – Nature’s Gift to Wine Lovers
  • Cannonau
    Sardinian Cannonau is a Global Contender
  • Vernaccia di Oristano
    Vernaccia di Oristano – Sardinia’s Most Fascinating Wine
Palm & Vine Wine Blog

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Featured Categories

Crostini Appetizer
Food & Wine
53 Posts
View Posts
Yarra Valley Wine Region
Musings
21 Posts
View Posts
Veraison Grapes
Rare Varieties
51 Posts
View Posts
Palm & Vine
Tastings & Events
19 Posts
View Posts
winemaking, wine country, wine region, vineyards
Wine
23 Posts
View Posts
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
Wineries
35 Posts
View Posts
Vigne Surrau Barrel Room
World of Wine
38 Posts
View Posts
If you’re slinging wine, then you need to know how to write about it! Nothing groundbreaking, but at the very least you should be able to write enticing tasting notes...
📣📣 Calling all wine brands, wineries, wine shops, and wine businesses! I'm excited to share something I've been cooking up for you...
✨ Save this post for a must-try restaurant for the next time you find yourself in 📍Nuoro, Sardegna…
Are you ready to visit one of the world's most renowned wine regions with me?
Feels like it’s time for a little reintroduction 😊
My Saturdays are looking a lot different lately 😍😍 Our vineyard planting got pushed back a bit due to mother nature 🙏🏼 aka lots of rain, but IT’S ALMOST TIME! Worked on the fencing for our mountain site today to keep those wild 🐗 boars (and others) out 💪🏼
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Free resources

Pinterest Profile

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

This website uses cookies to function and to track how you interact with the website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More Cookie settings Accept
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser, as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

 

Loading Comments...