Stina Plavac Mali 2023

Stina Plavac Mali 2021 is a characterful Dalmatian red that captures the raw beauty of Croatia’s Adriatic coast in the glass. Crafted from the native Plavac Mali grape on the sun-soaked island of Brač, it delivers both authenticity and modern drinkability. This vintage balances the grape’s natural power with freshness, making it ideal for those curious about Croatia’s most important red variety.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Stina Plavac Mali 2021 shows a deep ruby color with violet hues, hinting at concentration without feeling heavy. The nose is expressive and Mediterranean in style: ripe dark cherries and plums are layered with dried figs, wild herbs, a touch of Dalmatian garrigue, and subtle notes of pepper and sweet spice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with juicy, dark berry fruit, black cherry, and plum at the core, supported by lively acidity and the firm, slightly rustic tannins typical of Plavac Mali. Hints of dried Mediterranean herbs, licorice, and a gentle salty-mineral edge reflect its island origins. The finish is long, warm, and savory, making it both food-friendly and engaging on its own. While very enjoyable now with a short aeration, this 2021 has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 4–6 years, gaining complexity and softer tannins.

Production
Brač is known for its striking white limestone soils, intense sunlight, and cooling sea breezes, and these elements define the character of Stina Plavac Mali. The vineyards are planted on poor, stony slopes that naturally limit yields, concentrating flavor in the grapes and imparting a distinctive mineral streak. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to ensure careful selection in the rugged, terraced sites of the island. In the cellar, the wine is made with a modern, sensitive touch: temperature-controlled fermentation preserves fresh fruit and aromatics, while a period of maturation—often in a combination of stainless steel and oak—allows the tannins to soften and the spice notes to integrate without overpowering the wine’s natural, sun-drenched fruit.

Food & Serving
Stina Plavac Mali 2021 is a natural match for richly flavored Mediterranean dishes. Think grilled lamb chops with rosemary, slow-cooked beef or veal stew, pasticada, or chargrilled sausages. It also works beautifully with aged hard cheeses, tomato-based pasta with olives and capers, and hearty vegetable dishes with eggplant or mushrooms. Serve at 16–18°C to highlight both fruit and freshness. A short decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the tannins to relax and the wine’s herbal-spice complexity to fully emerge.

Producer
Jako vino d.o.o., the producer behind the Stina label, has been instrumental in shining a spotlight on the potential of Brač and Dalmatian island wines. The winery takes its name ‘Stina’ from the Croatian word for stone, a nod to the island’s famous white limestone that has shaped both its architecture and its vineyards. Combining local grape varieties like Plavac Mali with thoughtful, modern winemaking, Jako vino has become a key reference for premium Croatian wine, helping to redefine the region’s reputation from rustic curiosity to serious, world-class origin. Their distinctive minimalist labels and consistent quality have earned them recognition both domestically and abroad, and they remain one of the leading ambassadors of island terroir in the Adriatic.

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