Ivan Dolac Barrique 2013

Cellar for up to 6 years. Decant 1-2 hours, best served at 18°C.

The elegance of this Plavac Mali can first be seen in the gorgeous, deep ruby red color of the wine. Ripe red fruity scents of raspberry and plum blend with dried red cherry, vanilla and cinnamon spice. On the palate, flavors of juicy ripened strawberry and figs, with nice notes of vanilla and a hint a semi-sweet chocolate with undertones of lush forest floor earthiness. Velvet tannins and low acidity soften and round out the finish.

This wine is pleasant alone, but shines with grilled fish, stuffed peppers and oxtail stew. Strong enough to stand up to rich spicy meat dishes, while delicate enough to be enjoyed with seafood. A nice versatile red.

Svirce Winery was the first in Croatia to produce certified organic Plavic Mali, and with the release of this wine from the Ivan Dolac region, they won International Gold Medal for Organic Wine two years in a row at Biofach Mundus Vini in Germany. Organically grown on the sunny, albeit unwelcoming southern slopes of Hvar Island, the fruit was afforded plenty of direct sunshine, as well as reflective heat from the surrounding ocean and rocky terroir. The hand-picked fruit is of only the best quality, with concentrated fruit flavor that translates into this beautifully masculine wine. Buy a bottle and see for yourself why it has brought home the gold. Cheers!