Plavac Mali Wine

Plavac Mali Wine

Croatia is known for its gorgeous, full-bodied wine; the country’s conditions are perfect for growing a tricky grape called the Plavac Mali. Meaning “little blue” in Croatian, this grape produces wines of intense tannin and acidity with pleasant blue and black fruit flavors. The history and harvesting of the Plavac Mali is the history of Croatia’s wine industry and goes back centuries!

The history of winemaking in Croatia is impressive: wine production dates back to the ancient Greek settlers who brought the vine to the islands of Vis, Hvar, and Korčula nearly 2,500 years ago. One main winemaking region is along the Adriatic Sea in Dalmatia. The Plavac Mali grape is Croatia’s most award-winning pride and joy. Plavac Mali was initially believed to be the source of California’s Zinfandel, but recent DNA testing revealed it’s actually a child of the true original Zinfandel, a little-planted grape from the Pelješac Peninsula.

Plavac thrives under the region’s classical Mediterranean conditions, clinging to precipitous cliffs of limestone directly above the sea. The wines made from the steep slopes’ vineyards pair well with seafood, whether it’s red or white. You can find Plavac Mali wine throughout Croatia and beyond, but Adventures Croatia’s favorite wine is from Blue Danube. There are Blue Danube locations all over Croatia. If you visit Blue Danube, mention Adventures Croatia and you’ll receive a special gift!

Croatia is a wine lovers’ paradise! You can read more about the variety of Croatia wines in our food & wine post.