Zlatan Otok Little Blue Plavac

Zlatan Otok Little Blue Plavac is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV Croatian red wine made from 100% hand-harvested Plavac Mali grown on the island of Hvar. Produced by Zlatan Plenkovic — widely regarded as Croatia's most decorated winemaker — this unoaked expression showcases the raw, sun-drenched character of Dalmatia's signature red grape without the influence of barrel aging.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Island of Hvar, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia  |  Varietal: 100% Plavac Mali  |  Producer: Zlatan Otok Winery

Production & Heritage

Zlatan Otok was founded by Zlatan Plenkovic on the island of Hvar, one of the sunniest locations in all of Europe, off Croatia's Dalmatian coast. The Plavac Mali grapes for Little Blue are hand-harvested from precipitous vineyard slopes with gradients reaching 35–40%, terrain so steep that mechanical harvesting is impossible. Unlike many Plavac Mali bottlings that see oak maturation, Little Blue is vinified entirely without oak, allowing the grape's bright fruit character and the mineral-driven terroir of Hvar to speak without interference. Part of the winery's production is stored in a remarkable underground cellar situated 70 meters below ground level, where a constant temperature of 11–12°C is naturally maintained.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright cherry and red plum lead the nose, followed by dried herbs and a subtle Dalmatian garrigue quality — wild rosemary and sage. There is a faint mineral undertone that hints at the island's coastal origins.

Taste: The entry is juicy with dark berry and cherry fruit, carrying a lively acidity that keeps the 14.5% ABV from feeling heavy. Mid-palate, notes of pepper and warm spice emerge alongside a light salinity that recalls the Adriatic breeze. The unoaked profile means fruit remains the focal point throughout, with no competing vanilla or toast from barrel contact.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering red plum, a subtle herbal bitterness, and a dry mineral edge. The tannins are moderate and soft, leaving a clean, food-friendly conclusion.

How to Drink Little Blue Plavac

Serve at a light cellar temperature — around 16–18°C — to let the fruit and herbal aromatics open fully. A slight chill amplifies the wine's freshness, particularly in warmer months. Try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice), where its bold fruit and moderate tannins hold up well against the sweetness. It works in a classic Sangria, contributing deep berry intensity and peppery spice to the pitcher. A simple Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a citrus twist also plays to this wine's bright acidity and unoaked purity.

Best For

• Introducing friends to Croatian wine beyond the usual suspects
• Casual Mediterranean-style dinners with grilled meats and vegetables
• Building a collection of indigenous European grape varieties
• Warm-weather red wine drinking where freshness matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Little Blue Plavac taste like? Little Blue Plavac delivers bright cherry and dark berry fruit accented by cracked pepper, Dalmatian herbs, and a saline minerality, all in an unoaked, fruit-forward style with medium tannins.

How does Little Blue Plavac compare to Zinfandel? Plavac Mali is genetically related to Zinfandel — both descend from the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski (Tribidrag) — so they share ripe, dark-fruited intensity. Little Blue Plavac tends to show more herbal and mineral character and higher natural acidity than most California Zinfandels, partly due to its unoaked production and coastal island terroir.

Is Little Blue Plavac good for sipping neat? Yes, its fruit-driven, unoaked profile and moderate tannins make it immediately approachable on its own, especially when served slightly below room temperature to emphasize freshness.

Where is Little Blue Plavac made? Little Blue Plavac is produced by Zlatan Otok winery on the island of Hvar, located off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia — one of the sunniest islands in Europe, with vineyards planted on steep, south-facing slopes above the Adriatic Sea.

What foods pair well with Little Blue Plavac? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's herbal and peppery notes. Pašticada (Dalmatian braised beef) mirrors its regional origins and matches its dark fruit intensity. Hard aged cheeses like Paški sir from the island of Pag complement the wine's salinity. Pizza Margherita aligns with the bright acidity and medium body. Grilled sardines or mackerel echo the coastal minerality in the finish.

What sizes does Little Blue Plavac come in? Little Blue Plavac is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Little Blue Plavac worth the price? Little Blue Plavac positions as an accessible, entry-level expression within the Zlatan Otok range, making it a strong value introduction to premium Croatian Plavac Mali without the higher cost of the winery's barrel-aged and reserve cuvées.

Why Little Blue Plavac?

What separates Little Blue from the broader Plavac Mali category is the deliberate decision to skip oak entirely, a rarity among serious Dalmatian reds that typically spend months or years in barrel. The result is a more transparent window into Hvar's steep, sun-baked vineyards and the unique maritime terroir that shapes the fruit. Zlatan Plenkovic's status as one of Croatia's most awarded winemakers lends credibility to even the most approachable wine in the lineup. For drinkers curious about indigenous European varietals — or those already familiar with Zinfandel looking to explore its ancestral roots — Little Blue is a direct and honest expression of what Plavac Mali can deliver without embellishment.