Plavac Mali grape

De Plavac Mali is a well-known grape variety from Croatia. It is mainly grown along the Croatian coast of Dalmatia as well as the Croatian islands in Dalmatia. The name 'Plavac Mali' literally translated means 'Blue Little'. The name therefore refers to the color of the grape, these are often small and dark blue in color.

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Unique features Plavac Mali grape

De Plavac Mali grape is distinguished by its unique physical properties and growing conditions that contribute to the wine's distinctive profile. The grape bunches are generally small to medium sized, densely packed with small, plump, dark blue grapes that have thick skins. This thick skin is crucial for the development of the deep, robust flavors and high concentration tannins in the wine, which contributes to its structure and aging potential. The small size of the grape and the dense bunches make the Plavac Mali particularly resistant to the intense sun and dry conditions of the Dalmatian coast, allowing the grape to grow concentrated sugars en aroma's to develop.

In addition to these physical characteristics, the Plavac Mali grape has adapted to the sparse soil and the rough terrain in which it grows, resulting in a limited yield per vine but with a high quality of fruit. This contributes to the exclusivity and the often handmade approach to wine production in this area.

The interaction between it "terroir", the microclimate, and the grape itself leads to wines with a complex flavor profile, often containing notes of Mediterranean herbs, dried figs, and a salty undertone, which emphasize the connection with the sea and the coastline of Dalmatia reflect. This unique combination of properties makes the Plavac Mali not only a symbol of Croatian viticulture but also a fascinating topic for wine lovers and makers worldwide.

Influence of the microclimate

De Plavac Mali grape, nurtured on the sun-drenched slopes of Dalmatia, is an example of how a unique microclimate can shape the soul and character of a wine. This area, famous for its crystal clear seas and rugged landscapes, is equally known for its specific climatic conditions, which range from intense sunshine to the cooling breeze of the Adriatic Sea.

These elements together create a microclimate that is ideal for... Plavac Mali, where the steep, sun-drenched slopes provide the grapes with abundant sunlight, essential for the ripening and concentration of sugars and flavorings in the grapes.

The influence of the microclimate on the Plavac Mali grape is versatile. During the day, the intense sunshine ensures rapid photosynthesis, making the grapes rich in grapes sugars and the potential for higher alcohol levels in the wine. At night the cool sea air brings welcome relief, which helps to keep the... acidity in the grapes, a crucial factor for the balance and freshness of the wine. In addition, the constant sea breeze provides natural protection against diseases and pests, allowing winegrowers to maintain a healthy crop with less intervention.

This interaction between the unique terrain and the microclimate results Plavac Mali wines of profound complexity and intensity. The wines are characterized by their full body, rich tannin structure and a palette of flavors aroma's that range from dark fruit to subtle spicy and earthy notes. The influence of microclimate is so significant that it can even explain the subtle differences between wines from different parts of the Dalmatian coast and islands, giving each wine its own unique story and character, deeply rooted in the geography and climate of its origin .

A popular wine

De Plavac Mali wine is particularly sought after for its rich taste and high alcohol and tannins. It is mainly a dark red wine and has a taste that often resembles red ripe fruits such as blueberries, cherries, cranberries and plums. The alcohol content of the Plavac Mali wine above 15% is therefore no exception. It is true that most Plavac Mali wines have around 13% alcohol content.

De Plavac Mali is, as mentioned before, particularly in Dalmatia and the Croatian islands. The grape has been able to adapt well to the geographical and climatic conditions. The vines of the Plavac Mali are often planted in the dry and arid hills. The slopes are often very steep that the Croatian winegrowers do not use machines but work in the traditional way with donkeys and often also pick the grapes manually.

Special properties and characteristics

• Small, Dark Blue Grapes: The grapes are small and dark blue in color, with thick skins that contribute to the rich flavor and high tannin content of the wine.
• High Alcohol Percentages: The wine can have an alcohol content of more than 15%, although most wines are around 13% alcohol.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The taste often has notes of ripe red fruits such as blueberries, cherries, cranberries and plums, often combined with Mediterranean herbs and sometimes a salty undertone.
• Resistant to Extreme Conditions: The grape grows well in dry and rocky slopes and can withstand intense sun and little water, thanks to deep rooting vines.
• Manual Harvest: Due to the steep slopes on which the grapes are grown, they are often harvested manually, sometimes using donkeys for transport.
• Unique Croatian Heritage: Originally from Croatia, specifically from the region Dalmatia and the surrounding islands, the grape represents an important part of Croatia's wine heritage.
• Family of Primitive and Zinfande: Although previously thought to be the same species, it has been proven that Plavac Mali related to, but not identical to, Primitive en Zinfandel.
• Concentrated Flavor through Difficult Growing Conditions: The harsh growing conditions lead to a concentrated flavor and often prestigious wines that are internationally recognized.

Create these features Plavac Mali into a unique and prized grape variety, loved by winemakers and enthusiasts worldwide.

Plavac mali, Primitive en Zinfandel

For a long time it was thought that the Plavac Mali was the same grape variety as the Italian one Primitive and the American Zinfandel. Research has shown that this is not the case and the Plavac Mali is a real Croatian grape variety, it is true that it is a family of the Primitive and the Zinfandel.

Due to the hot sun, the Plavac Mali adapted to grow its roots deep into the ground because water above ground is very scarce. This has the result that the Plavac Mali wine has a delicious concentrated taste. The Plavac Mali wines have often won prestigious awards both in Croatia and abroad. Our Plavac Mali wines come from the island of Korcula.