Plavac Mali Facts
Plavac Mali is a well-known red grape variety from Croatia. Plavac mali, Crijenac, Crnac, Zelenjak, Šarac, Grešavac, Zelenka and Pagadebit crni are names it is also known under. One of Croatia’s most planted varieties, it produces a dense and robust red wine with a black cherry note and hints of pepper, smoke and spice.
Many claim it is the most widespread and significant variety in Dalmatia. After Welschriesling and Malvasia, it is the third most cultivated variety in Croatia. Its name derives from the appearance of the grapes that are small (mali) and blue in colour (plavac). The berries are thick-skinned nd high in sugar content. Alcohol content is 12-13.5 %. It is a full-bodied wine, slightly bitter in taste. Plavac Mali is the first red Croatian wine to receive a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) as far back as 1961.
Plavac Mali Grape
Link to Zinfandel
In tracing the origins of Plavac Mali, it was initially thought to be identical to the Californian variety Zifandel. Further research disproved this idea and determined that it was a cross between the Zifandel and Dobričić varieties.
Plavac Mali is cultivated in the Dalmatian hinterland but most widely spread in central and south Dalmatia. On the Pelješac peninsula, the best areas for Plavac Mali are Dingač, Postup and Žuljana. It is also grown o the southern part of Hvar (Sv. Nedilja, Ivan Dolac, Jagodna, Medvidbad) and on the slopes of Brač and Korčula islands. When exposed to strong sun on steep slopes, Plavac Mali is more full-bodied and strong. When grown further inland, the wine tends to be fruitier and lighter.
Famous Dingac Plavac Mali Vineyards
Wine Varieties of Plavac Mali
All the varieties of Plavac Mali owe their differences to climate, soil, production, etc., while sharing the basic grape variety and produce wines with similar alcohol content, taste, acidity and density. Prošek, drunk as an aperitif or on special occasions, is produced from dried clusters of ripened Plavac. Plavac Mali grapes can be eaten fresh and are known as Zobatica or table grapes.
Plerej Vukas Plavac Mali
Food matches for Plavac Mali are hard, salty and spicy cheeses, red meat dishes of strong flavors, venison and veal dishes in thick strong sauces.
Matusko Dingac Plavac Mali Wine
