The Crljenak Showdown

by Miquel Hudin  |  22-06-2012

Some time back, we had our first taste of the newly-invigorated Crljenak being released by Zlatan Plenković. Again, as quick fly-by primer, Crljenak (or Crljenak Kaštelanski or Pribidrag) is the genetically identical grape to Zinfandel in California and Primitivo in Italy. When crossed in a loving embrace with Dobričić, we ended up with the Plavac Mali that has grown to be so popular in Dalmatian wines these days. Since this initial bottle by Plenković, other Crljenak-based wines have come the market. I was able to taste all of them last April in Zagreb with the exception of the Mimica 2008 Pribidrag from Kuća sretnog čovjeka in Omiš. Maybe our paths will cross the next time. Anyways, without further ado: Zlatan Plenković Crljenak 2008 opens up with a rich, promising nose. But, the body lets you down a bit after that and the finish comes up far too dry for my […]