De Mar Plavac Mali is a Croatian red wine made from the indigenous Plavac Mali grape, produced by Istravino in 750ml bottles. Plavac Mali stands as one of Croatia’s most important native red varietals, and this De Mar expression brings the grape’s characteristically dense, dark-fruited personality to a wider audience.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13% (typical for varietal) | Origin: Istria, Croatia | Red Wine | Producer: Istravino

Production & Heritage

De Mar Plavac Mali is produced by Istravino, a Croatian winery based in the Istria region. Plavac Mali is a genetically confirmed cross between Crljenak Katelanski (known internationally as Zinfandel) and the rare Croatian grape Dobrii. The varietal is notoriously difficult to cultivate due to its uneven ripening tendencies individual clusters can carry both underripe green berries and partially raisined fruit simultaneously. This forces winemakers to make precise harvest timing decisions, balancing tannin and sugar development against declining acidity. The resulting wines tend toward full-bodied, deeply colored reds with significant structure.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Expect an aromatic profile driven by ripe dark cherries and blackberries, followed by secondary notes of dried fig, sage, and a hint of carob. There is a distinctive Mediterranean herbal quality that distinguishes Plavac Mali from its Zinfandel parent.

Taste: The palate opens with concentrated dark fruit black cherry and plum dominate the entry. At mid-palate, peppery spice and a smoky undertone develop, supported by firm, grippy tannins. The wine carries notable density and weight, consistent with the grape’s reputation for producing robust, full-bodied reds.

Finish: The finish is medium to long, with lingering notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and a subtle mineral edge. Tannins remain present but integrated, tapering into a warm, spice-driven conclusion.

How to Drink De Mar Plavac Mali

Serve at 1618C (6064F). Given the wine’s tannic structure and concentration, decanting for 30 minutes to an hour allows the fruit and spice layers to open up fully. Drinking neat in a large-bowled red wine glass is the most rewarding approach. For wine-based cocktails, the bold profile works in a Sangria where its dark fruit intensity holds up against citrus and brandy; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) where its spice and density add complexity to the simple combination; or a Mulled Wine during colder months, where its pepper and dried herb notes complement traditional warming spices like cinnamon and clove.

Best For

• Introducing a wine enthusiast to Croatian indigenous varietals
• Pairing with hearty grilled meats at a summer cookout
• Gifting to Zinfandel fans curious about Plavac Mali’s genetic roots
• Building a collection that represents underexplored European wine regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does De Mar Plavac Mali taste like? De Mar Plavac Mali delivers a bold, dark-fruited profile centered on black cherry, plum, and blackberry, layered with black pepper, smoke, and dried Mediterranean herbs. The wine is full-bodied with firm tannins and noticeable density.

How does De Mar Plavac Mali compare to Zinfandel? Plavac Mali is genetically one generation removed from Zinfandel it is a cross between Crljenak Katelanski (Zinfandel) and Dobrii. Compared to most Zinfandels, Plavac Mali tends to show higher tannin levels, more pronounced herbal and mineral characteristics, and a darker, more austere fruit profile rather than Zinfandel’s often jammy sweetness.

Is De Mar Plavac Mali good for sipping neat? Yes, this is a wine best appreciated on its own or alongside food, served slightly below room temperature and ideally decanted to soften its tannins and allow its aromatic complexity to develop.

Where is De Mar Plavac Mali made? De Mar Plavac Mali is produced by Istravino in the Istria region of Croatia, a peninsula along the northern Adriatic coast known for both its white wines (Malvazija) and increasingly for structured reds from native Croatian grapes.

What foods pair well with De Mar Plavac Mali? Grilled lamb chops work well with the wine’s peppery tannins. Paticada (traditional Dalmatian beef stew) mirrors its dark fruit and spice. Aged hard cheeses like Paki sir (Croatian sheep’s milk cheese) complement the wine’s structure. Roasted eggplant dishes echo its smoky, herbal character. Cured meats such as prut (Croatian prosciutto) balance the wine’s weight with salt and fat.

What sizes does De Mar Plavac Mali come in? De Mar Plavac Mali is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is De Mar Plavac Mali worth the price? De Mar Plavac Mali positions as an accessible entry point into Croatian red wines, offering genuine varietal character from an indigenous grape at a value-friendly tier well below the price of premium single-vineyard Plavac Mali bottlings from Dalmatian producers like Milo or Saints Hills.

Why De Mar Plavac Mali?

What sets this wine apart is its grape. Plavac Mali is Croatia’s most planted red varietal, yet remains relatively unknown outside the Adriatic making it a genuine discovery for drinkers accustomed to international varietals. The grape’s genetic link to Zinfandel provides a familiar reference point, but Plavac Mali’s higher tannin structure, herbal complexity, and Mediterranean character make it a distinctly different drinking experience. Istravino’s De Mar bottling serves as a straightforward, well-priced introduction to this varietal, representing one of the easiest ways to explore Croatia’s indigenous wine heritage without committing to the higher-priced prestige cuves from the Dalmatian coast.