Additional information
| Producer | Volarević |
|---|---|
| Region | Dalmatia |
| Varietal | Plavac Mali |
| Serving Suggestion | Decant for one hour and serve at 65-70° F. |
Volarević Plavac Mali 2015
Vineyard
Located in the Komarna appellation on the sunny south of the Dalmatian coast, Volarević is a family winery operated by a father and his four sons. Their wine story begins in 2005 after realizing success as owners of a leading plant nursery in Croatia, Nursery Prud. Josip Volarević is working towards his PhD in Oenology and loves experimenting with his wines. He is known for producing robust, strong wines and is a purist, never blending or diluting. They’ve quickly established themselves as one of the most famous wineries in Croatia and are successfully selling their wines in the international markets of the United States, Singapore, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Swizerland, and Belgium.
Komarna offers proximity to the sea, wind, over 2,600 solar hours annually, and reflection off the sea and limestone. These conditions prevent freezing, pests, disease, and allow for organic production. The up to 40-degree slopes require manual viticultural labor. The composition of the soil is 50% limestone, which contributes to the rich minerality and nutrients found in this wine. Grapes easily accumulate sugar and anthocyanins, however cold night temperatures throughout the year allow the grapes to retain more acid.
Varietal
Plavac mali is a small, highly concentrated berry with thick, rich skins. The root system is like no other, able to burrow through 20’ of limestone to drink up what little water it requires to thrive. When you pull up to a Croatian beach bar and order a red, Plavac Mali will fill your glass.
Vinification
10% raisination is allowed on the vine. Grapes are picked by hand during the night to preserve freshness and varietal aroma, after which they are sorted into selection strips. After mulching, maceration takes 15-50 days, depending on the year and degree of extraction. The wine then matures for 18-24 months in new and reusable Croatian, French and American barrels. Following maturation, the wine is stabilized in stainless steel tanks, then aged in the bottle for at least one year before being placed on the market.
Tasting Note
This bright ruby red wine carries complex aromas of the Mediterranean, alongside cherry, sour cherry, woody vanilla, smoke, leather, and tobacco. In the mouth you’ll notice strong tannins and gentle acidity with a very elegant body. Josip considers this to be his entry-level Plavac Mali, but it’s full-throated and robust… a step above most others.
Serving Note
This wine has wonderful aging potential. Decant for 30 – 60 minutes. Serve with ribeye steak, lamb, and mushroom risotto.
Pronunciation Guide
Plavac Mali (PLAH-vits MAH-lee)
Volarević (voe-LAR-eh-vich)
