Decanter’s World Wine Awards were announced earlier this week, with Angela Muir MW (regional chair for Central and Eastern European wines) noting that, “Croatia really was the discovery of this year.”
In fact, Croatian wines brought home 27 medals in all: 8 Gold, 5 Silver, 11 Bronze and 3 commended.

Among the winners, the Zlatan Plavac Mali Barrique received a Silver medal for its 2006 vintage. The Plavac Mali grape originated in Croatia as a cross between Zinfandel and another indigenous grape, Dobricic. In general, Plavac Mali produces wines that have high tannins, high alcohol, deep color and can age well. While Croatian wines still aren’t prevalent in the U.S. market, several Plavac Mali wines are available in the U.S.

Dingac Ivo Plavac Mali 2006
100% Plavac Mali
Dingac Region, Dalmatia, Croatia
Astor Wines – $16.00 (2007 vintage)
From the Dingac region, an island off the coast of Croatia, this wine spends 18 months is Slovenian oak and displays red fruit and herbal notes, with long length.

Lirica Plavac Mali 2005
100% Plavac Mali
Dingac Region, Dalmatia, Croatia
Crush Wine Co – $22.00 (2007 vintage)
Produced in stainless steel, this wine has an earthy nose with vibrant acidity and firm, but ripe, tannins and earth and cherry flavors on the palate.

Zlatan Plavac Barrique 2007
100% Plavac Mali
Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia
Columbus Circle Wines – $44.00 (2005 vintage)
Cultivated on 45-degree slopes along the coast, this wine spends 12 months in oak. Dry with herbal, earth and berries, oak, ripe tannins, long length.

Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru 2005
100% Plavac Mali
Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia
Mt. Carmel Wines – $48.00 (2004 vintage)
From 50 year-old vines, this wine is aged in new barriques for 18 months. Its nose is earthy, herbal and red fruits. On the palate, it is concentrated with berries, tobacco and herbs. Needs time for the tannins to soften.

For more info: See the importer’s website for maps and more information on the region.