It’s not a long ago that I tasted my first plavac mali, and it’s still an early phase for me with this Croatian grape, but it was love at first sight. A true Mediterranean wine, dark, sunbaked, lower in acidity and heavily tannic, this is my cup of tea. Thanks to my friend Matthew Horkey for this bottle, and also for introducing this grape to me!

A super nose, kinda Bandol meets Tuscany. Quite complex and leathery, with dried figs, ripe black fruits, even some cantaloupes. Pinot-like, light texture is the first impression, but then comes a wall of chewy, drying tannins – this adds charm and character, like in a barolo. Quite moderated alcohol. Lacks some flavor intensity and length, to be really great, better on the nose. Very good. Nerdy stuff, though. 89 points. 10.99 € at thewineandmore, seems to be available in US too, at Danch & Granger Selections. Recommended!