Additional information
| Producer | Volarević |
|---|---|
| Region | Dalmatia |
| Vintage | 2013 |
| Aging | 18-24 Months in Oak |
Volarević Plavac Mali Gold Edition 2016
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 Syrtis Gold Edition 2013 summarizes all of the features of the remarkable Plavac Mali 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.
Vinification
This wine is obtained only in exceptional years. Hand-picking of grapes is done overnight to preserve freshness and varietal aromas. 30% raisination is allowed on the vine. The grapes are then sorted by hand and gently sifted and transferred to tanks for maceration that lasts 15-30 days depending on the year and degree of extraction. The wine is then matured in one of the Croatian, French and American barrels in order to better preserve the varietal aroma. The wine matures for 18-24 months in barrels. After maturing, the wine goes into large wooden tanks for stabilization, and after filling it is aged for 4 additional years in the bottle before market release.
Tasting Note
Characteristic is the deep ruby red, dense and almost opaque color with a dark blue overflow remaining on the glass. Its fragrance is complex and yields typical varietal aromas in a combination of fresh berries and dry, small dried fruit, as well as aromas of Mediterranean herbs, chocolate, and black pepper. Very complex body with soft tannins and nice acidity which gives a balanced and special wine.
Serving Note
Decant for at least one hour. Enjoy in front of the fireplace with dark chocolate (the darker, the better.) Also pairs well with lamb, goat, truffles, and mushroom risotto.
Pronunciation Guide
Plavac Mali (PLAH-vuts MAH-lee)
Volarević (voe-LAR-eh-vich)
