Svirce Plavac Mediterano 2016

Ideally drink now to 2024. Decant 30 minutes-1 hour, best served at 18°C

From its jewel like ruby color and clarity, this Croatian red shines in its native soil. Rich fruity aromas of dried cherry and plum mixed with red raspberry and blackberry. Sweet fruit is offset by a lovely mixture of spices of black cherry and clove, with a hint of fennel seed. On the palate, it opens with strength and virility, with good richness of tannin and strong acidic backbone. Expect cedar and tobacco, mixed with vanilla and coffee. Rich spice and wood is met with dried dates and figs. A powerful body is softened by crushed velvet like tannins.

This complex wine is nicely matched with cheese and cured meats beside olives, as well as rustic rabbit stews or pan roasted salmon.

The Plavac Mali grape is indigenous to the island of Hvar, where the Svirce Vineyard is located, spanning the steep southern facing hillsides of the island. Hvar enjoys the most sunny days in all of Croatia, and between the nearly daily sunshine, and sunlight reflected from the sea and rocky terroir, the grapes get ample heat, resulting in juicy, concentrated fruit. After being well ripened on Hvar, some of the wine was oaked for twelve months before being blended back, creating a wonderfully complex wine.

The unique Plavac Mali from Svirce shows wonderful layering of flavors and versatility in food pairing, making it a must buy. Enjoy now, or for years to come!