Plavac Mali is Croatia's leading red grape, grown along the Dalmatian coast and especially on the Pelješac peninsula and the islands of Hvar, Brač and Korčula. It is the offspring of Crljenak Kaštelanski (Zinfandel) and Dobričić. On steep, sun-baked slopes facing the sea, such as the famous Dingač and Postup, it produces powerful, high-alcohol reds of dried cherry, fig, carob, pepper and Mediterranean herbs, with firm tannins. Cooler sites and lighter extraction give fresher, more elegant wines. It is the backbone of Dalmatian winemaking.

