2019 Zlatan Plavac Šibenik

100% Plavac Mali
Outskirts of Šibenik (Vrpolje settlement), Dalmatia, Croatia

A softer, friendlier Plavac that is showing all the typical varietal aromas - darker cherry and blueberry fruits, herbs, laced with the structure of the easily recognizable fine tannins, salinity and earthiness that are ever-so-present in Plavac Mali wines.

Located by the small settlement of Vrpolje, these rocky and rugged vineyards enjoy a beautiful sea view and sun exposure. With an altitude level ranging from approximately 50 to 300 meters above sea level, the vineyards see some of the warmer temperatures in Northern and Central Dalmatia, with interestingly cooler nights that are accompanied by constant breezes. Soil consists of small amounts of red and brown clay on top of a tough limestone foundation.

Organic. No irrigation, minimal amount of spraying in Spring and mid-summer months, with small amounts of powdered sulfites.

Hand-harvest followed by 8 days of skin maceration in stainless steel tanks, later controlled fermentation in wooden vinificators for an additional 8-10 days at a temperature of 22° C - 25° C. Fermentation is strictly done through native/natural yeasts. The wine is aged for 18 months in stainless steel tanks (inox). After aging in the tanks, the wine is coarsely fined, not filtered.

Serve slightly chilled at cellar temperature (approx. 18° C) with spicy appetizers, bruschetta, tomato sauces, stews, red meat roasts, wild fowl, venison, roasted lamb and potatoes with rosemary and Dalmatian herbs, cured meats, hard and aged cheeses, grilled steak meats, burgers, and grilled blue fish.