The Wine Reference🍷 SupportPlavac Mali grape
Plavac Mali is a red grape known for blackberry, plum, herbs. Its best-known homes are Croatia.
Origin and history
Native to Dalmatia in Croatia; DNA shows it is the offspring of Tribidrag (Zinfandel, locally Crljenak Kaštelanski) and Dobričić.
Where it grows
Dalmatia's coast and islands, especially the Pelješac peninsula (Dingač, Postup), Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Vis.
Structure
Full body, high alcohol, firm tannins and moderate acidity, often with a rustic, powerful style.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: blackberry, plum, carob, black pepper and wild herbs. With age: dried fig, prune, leather, tobacco and earth.
Ageing
Most drink within 3–6 years; top Dingač can age 10–15 years.
Also known as
Plavac, Pagadebit Crni.
Good to know
Dingač became Croatia's first protected appellation in 1961; its vines cling to steep, sun-baked slopes running down to the Adriatic.
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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