Bura-Mrgudić 'Basina' Plavac Mali 2022

Winemaking

Bura-Mrgudić is a small family estate in Dalmatia, Croatia, dedicated to reviving and perfecting the indigenous Plavac Mali varietal. The winemaker employs traditional methods with modern precision, allowing the wine to express both the richness of ripe fruit and the mineral spine of the Adriatic coast. Their approach balances respect for local winemaking heritage with careful vineyard management and thoughtful cellar work.

Tasting Notes

This Plavac Mali opens with inviting aromas of ripe dark cherry and plum, layered with subtle Mediterranean herbs and a whisper of salinity that speaks to its coastal home. On the palate, the wine is elegantly structured with moderate tannins and bright acidity, delivering flavors of blackberry and warming spice without heaviness. The finish carries that distinctive saline minerality—almost briny—that makes coastal Dalmatian reds so distinctive, lingering with grace and clarity.

Producer

Bura-Mrgudić operates as a boutique producer in one of Croatia's most historic wine regions, focusing exclusively on Plavac Mali, a grape deeply rooted in Dalmatian tradition. The estate practices sustainable vineyard management in this challenging coastal environment, where sea breezes and limestone soils shape both vine and wine. Their small-scale, quality-focused production reflects a commitment to showcasing what Dalmatian terroir can achieve with modern winemaking skill.

Terroir

The Dalmatian coast is one of Europe's most dramatic vineyard settings, where vines cling to steep limestone hillsides overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The Mediterranean climate brings warm, dry summers tempered by cooling sea breezes, while the region's white limestone soils impart mineral precision and salinity to the wines. This combination—limestone bedrock, maritime influence, and intense sun—creates ideal conditions for Plavac Mali, giving the grape its characteristic depth and briny edge.

Food Pairings

Try this wine with grilled lamb chops brushed with olive oil and oregano, where the wine's spice and tannin structure complement the meat's richness and the herb's brightness. It's equally at home with a casual plate of cured meats and aged cheese—the acidity and saline finish cut through fat beautifully. For something more composed, pair it with pan-seared sea bass with roasted tomatoes and capers, where the wine's coastal character echoes the dish's Mediterranean soul.