At a glance

Producer

Volarević

Region

Dingač, Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia

Grape variety

Plavac Mali

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$50-$70

Tasting profile

Ripe dark berry fruits, Mediterranean herbs, hints of smoke and subtle spice

Evolution: With age, tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco, and dried fruits will emerge

At peak: Elegant integration of powerful fruit with complex earthy and mineral notes

Structure

Acidity

Medium to high, balancing richness

Tannins

Firm and well-structured, capable of aging

Alcohol

14-14.5%

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2023 to 2030

Current status

Approaching peak maturity

Current condition

Still youthful with firm tannins and vibrant fruit acidity

Dingač Plavac Mali from a strong vintage like 2017 provides ripe tannins and balanced acidity that require several years of bottle age to soften and harmonize, unlocking the wine’s full aroma and flavor complexity roughly 8-12 years post vintage.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, lamb with herbs, aged cheeses, game dishes, Mediterranean stews

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Helps soften tannins and aerate bold aromas

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Traditional vineyard management with possible sustainable principles; small winery scale suggests localized efforts include manual harvesting and limited chemical use

Volarević winery practices appear to focus on quality and respect for terroir, with traditional farming methods and limited mechanization reducing environmental impact. Absence of formal certifications tempers sustainability rating, but regional Mediterranean practices traditionally favor sustainability. Their packaging likely uses standard bottles with moderate environmental footprint. Overall, moderate sustainability performance.