Plavac Mali (PZ Dingač) 2020 [PZ Dingač Plavac Mali] (Croatia / Red Wine / Traditional, Sun-Kissed)

■ Appearance: A bright, inviting ruby red with soft garnet highlights at the edges.

■ Aroma: Ripe dark cherries and sweet plums mingle with warm spices, subtle earthy notes, and a hint of wild Mediterranean scrubland.

■ Palate: Approachable yet structured. Rich dark fruit flavors unfold, balanced by rustic, supple tannins and pleasantly refreshing acidity, leaving a warm, subtly spicy finish.

PZ Dingač | Plavac Mali 2020
Founded in the village of Potomnje in 1902, the PZ Dingač cooperative is a cornerstone of the Pelješac peninsula’s wine culture. As one of Croatia’s oldest agricultural cooperatives, generations of local families have come together to cultivate the legendary Plavac Mali grape on sun-drenched, dramatic coastal slopes. The result is a wine that captures the unpretentious spirit of everyday life on the Adriatic.

Plavac Mali is the undisputed king of Dalmatian red wine varieties. Born from the natural crossbreeding of Trbuljak and Kaštelanski (the ancestor of Zinfandel), it thrives in harsh, arid conditions, producing wines with deep color, rich fruit flavors, and distinctive herbal notes.

The grapes are harvested by cooperative members from traditional bush-trained vineyards and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve their bright, natural fruit flavors. They are then aged briefly in large traditional oak barrels to soften the tannins before bottling.

The rustic charm and bright fruit flavors of this wine pair wonderfully with a wide range of dishes, from traditional Mediterranean cuisine to everyday dinner favorites.

• ■ Tomato-based pasta or meat ragouts: The wine’s pleasant acidity perfectly complements the tanginess of the tomatoes, while the dark fruit flavors enhance the rich, savory depth of the meat sauce.
• ■ Grilled oily fish (such as mackerel or sardines): A traditional Dalmatian pairing! The gentle tannins do not overpower the delicate flavor of the fish, while the wine’s subtle saltiness highlights the smoky char of the grill.
• ■ Prosciutto and mild cheese: The aroma of ripe cherries creates a beautiful fruity contrast with the rich, savory saltiness of cured meats and the creamy flavor of young cheese.

Serving temperature: 16°C–18°C (serve at this temperature to enjoy its full richness)

Dalmatia, Pelješac Peninsula
Rugged karst limestone soils and the relentless Adriatic sun define this terroir. These unique geographical conditions provide the grapes with “three suns”—direct sunlight, light reflected from the sea, and radiant heat from the white rocks—ensuring optimal ripening. At the same time, cool breezes from the sea preserve the essential acidity and keep the vines healthy.

※ PZ Dingač holds the distinction of producing Croatia’s first legally protected wine (“Dingač” in 1961), cementing its long-standing tradition as a true guardian of Dalmatian viticulture.