Plavac

Plavac, commonly referred to as Plavac Mali, is a red wine grape variety grown primarily along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. It is one of the country’s most important indigenous grapes and forms the backbone of several well-known wines from the region.

Origin and genetics: Plavac Mali is native to Dalmatia. It is widely regarded as a cross between the historic Croatian varieties Dobričić and Crljenka Kaštelanska. DNA studies link it to the broader family that includes Zinfandel/Primitivo through Crljenka Kaštelanska, though Plavac Mali itself is distinct from these wines.

Viticulture and wine profile: The vine is late-ripening with thick-skinned berries. Wines from Plavac Mali are typically deep in color, high in tannins and alcohol, and exhibit concentrated fruit flavors such as plum and blackberry, often with notes of spice, tobacco, and earth. The grape is known for producing robust, age-worthy wines, especially when well-sited on sun-exposed slopes.

Regions and styles: Plavac Mali is closely associated with Dalmatia, particularly on the Pelješac peninsula. It is the principal grape in the Dingač and Postup wine districts, both protected appellations. It is also found in other coastal areas such as Hvar, Korčula, and Brač, where it contributes to full-bodied, Mediterranean red wines.

Overall, Plavac Mali remains a key variety in Croatian viticulture, prized for producing powerful, long-lived red wines that reflect their Adriatic terroir.