Underdog Grape · Croatia

Plavac Mali

Pronounced PLAH-vats MAH-lee

If you love Zinfandel, you owe its Croatian cousin a look. Plavac Mali is the offspring of Zinfandel and an old island grape, and it drinks bolder, darker, and often cheaper.

Tasting profile
Dark cherry and dried fig with a lick of black pepper and carob, carried on firm tannins and a warmth that shows the sun it grew under.
Where it grows
Dalmatia, Croatia
Explore the Western Balkans field guide
Where to buy
For specific bottles and where to buy them, read the deep dive.

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The region

Dalmatia, Croatia

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Wines like Plavac Mali

Plavac Mali: common questions

What wine is Plavac Mali similar to?
If you usually drink Zinfandel, Plavac Mali is the underdog swap to try. Other lesser-known grapes in the same style: Alicante Bouschet, Vranec, Maratheftiko.
Read the deep divePlavac Mali: Zinfandel's Croatian Cousin, Grown on Cliffs

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