Everything About Plavac-Mali Grape
"plah-vats MAH-lee" 
Plavac-Mali Description
Origin: Dalmatia, Croatia
History: Plavac Mali, meaning 'small blue' in Croatian, is an indigenous red grape variety primarily grown along the Dalmatian coast. It is a natural cross between Crljenak Kaštelanski (ancestral Zinfandel) and Dobričić grapes. The grape is known for producing rich, flavorful wines with high alcohol content and firm tannins. Common flavors and aromas include carob, figs, sage, dark cherries, pepper, and spices. Notable wine regions producing Plavac Mali include Dingač and Postup on the Pelješac peninsula, as well as the islands of Hvar, Brač, and Vis.
Appearance: Small, blue-hued berries with thick skins, growing in compact clusters.
Growing Traits: Plavac Mali is a late-ripening and low-yielding grape variety, known for its resilience and ability to thrive in the rocky soils and steep slopes of Dalmatia. The grape's thick skins contribute to its high tannin content and deep color in the resulting wines. However, it is notorious among winegrowers for its uneven ripening properties, with grape clusters often containing both green berries and raisins. If left to ripen fully, the tannins and sugars increase, but the acids drop, posing a challenge for winemakers.
Food Pairing Plavac Mali's bold flavors and firm tannins make it an excellent match for hearty dishes. It pairs well with red meats of strong flavors, such as veal and venison. Traditional Croatian dishes like pašticada (Dalmatian beef stew) and lamb roasted on a spit complement the wine's robust character. Its high alcohol content and rich fruit flavors also make it suitable for pairing with spicy cuisines.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Full-bodied with a robust and tannic structure, offering rich and concentrated flavors. Typically vinified dry, though some off-dry and dessert versions exist. High tannin levels, contributing to a firm and structured mouthfeel. Moderate acidity, providing balance to its bold character. High alcohol content, often ranging from 13% to 17%, adding richness and warmth to the finish.
Black Cherry 
Blackberry 
Dried fig 
Carob 
Black pepper 
Sage 
Spices Plavac Mali wines are characterized by intense dark fruit flavors, including dark cherry and blackberry, complemented by notes of dried fig, carob, and black pepper. Herbal nuances of sage and a medley of spices add complexity. The palate is full-bodied with high tannins and a warm, lingering finish, reflecting its elevated alcohol content.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/croatia.png)
Croatia
•Dalmatia
•Pelješac Peninsula
•Hvar Island
•Brač Island
•Vis Island
•Konavle
Notable Wines and Producers
Dingač
•Matuško Winery
•Vinarija Dingač
•Bura-Mokalo
•Miloš
•Kiridžija
•Bartulović
Postup
•Vinarija Dingač
•Bura-Mokalo
•Madirazza
•Bartulović
Plavac-Mali FAQ
Dalmatia, Croatia
Plavac-Mali has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Plavac-Mali is Moderate to Full bodied.
Plavac-Mali has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Plavac-Mali is Dry.
Dalmatia, Croatia
Plavac-Mali is grown in Croatia (Dalmatia, Pelješac Peninsula, Hvar Island, Brač Island, Vis Island, Konavle).
Plavac Mali wines are characterized by intense dark fruit flavors, including dark cherry and blackberry, complemented by notes of dried fig, carob, and black pepper. Herbal nuances of sage and a medley of spices add complexity. The palate is full-bodied with high tannins and a warm, lingering finish, reflecting its elevated alcohol content.
Plavac Mali's bold flavors and firm tannins make it an excellent match for hearty dishes. It pairs well with red meats of strong flavors, such as veal and venison. Traditional Croatian dishes like pašticada (Dalmatian beef stew) and lamb roasted on a spit complement the wine's robust character. Its high alcohol content and rich fruit flavors also make it suitable for pairing with spicy cuisines.
Plavac Mali wines are characterized by intense dark fruit flavors, including dark cherry and blackberry, complemented by notes of dried fig, carob, and black pepper. Herbal nuances of sage and a medley of spices add complexity. The palate is full-bodied with high tannins and a warm, lingering finish, reflecting its elevated alcohol content.