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Wines like Dalmatian Plavac Mali
Powerful, high-alcohol reds from steep stony sites on the Croatian coast and islands. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Dalmatian Plavac Mali?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The firm, grippy structure
- High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
Looking for something keeping the peppery, spicy character, the savoury, non-fruity character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too heavy.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the firm tannic structure.
- Substantially less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Dalmatian Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Dalmatian Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Dalmatian Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Plavac Mali
Both are made from plavac mali, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Dalmatian Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Dalmatian Plavac Mali across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stronger and warmer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Languedoc red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less floral.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
California Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Plavac Mali
Both are made from plavac mali, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Washington Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.