Stina Plavac Mali 2016

Drink now through to 2029. No need to decant before serving.

Set on Croatia’s southern Dalmatian coast, the Stina winery is located on the island of Brac which is famed for its pristine white stone or “stina” in the local dialect. The winery occupies the building previously used by the island’s cooperative winery and strives to produce exemplary bottles of indigenous Dalmatian varieties like this vigorous Plavac Mali.

Considered one of Croatia’s most valued grape varieties, Plavac Mali is related to the Zinfandel grape which today enjoys huge popularity over in California. The small, bluish coloured grapes tend to produce powerful and well-structured red wines which can be aged extensively. This excellent example is aged in used French oak barrels for 8-10 months before bottling to soften the variety’s naturally grippy tannins. The wine is then aged for a further 6 months in the bottle before release.

On the nose there are classic Plavac Mali aromas of red cherries, strawberries and rose petals while the first sip reveals a touch of black pepper and lightly spiced flavours on the long finish. There is a full body and smooth yet firm tannins which will respond well to additional cellaring. The robust flavour profile also makes this bottling a great partner for red meats including game, steak or even barbecued ribs.