Editor's note:

I'm excited to introduce our dear guest writers, and wine experts, Wayne Baxendale and Andrew J. Smith. Wayne Baxendale has traveled and touched the globe in places people can only dream of. With his experience in Michelin stared restaurants, Wayne knows how to bring wine alive and is a true Wine Hospitalian. On the other hand, Andrew J. Smith has been lucky enough to galavant across the planet, sipping and smiling along the way. Andrew moved into Wine Hospitality five years ago and has been changing pallets and lives for the better in Sonoma, California.

Without further ado, here's a love letter to Croatia's Plavac Mali, a red wine made of Dalmatia's most significant grape variety.

‍‍Croatian Wines

Having been blessed with the opportunity to wander the globe and see places one can only dream of, I yearn to find a way to bring all I’ve learned, lived, and loved to my wanderlust clients. We all know of the old world, classic wines and regions, and yet the lesser-known countries and their libations are what inspire me daily to live this life of wine and hospitality I lead.

When I think of Croatia, I think of pristine crystal-clear ocean, intense sun that kisses the skin, cuisine full of flavor and innovation, and warm-hearted, proud people. Croatian wine is no different.

While by no means “new,” having a thousand-year history, Croatian wine is making a big impact on the UK, and rightfully so. Hvar is producing some tantalizing lesser-known varietals the masses don’t yet even comprehend they crave. But trust me, you do.

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Plavac Mali is one of those such unicorn wines. This gem of the Dalmatian coast is known for its small, blueberries. As a wine, it offers the body and weight of an Old Vine Zinfandel, but coupled with the elegance and prestige of a traditional Rhone Valley blend.

With the growing popularity of the Dalmatian varietals, the UK has seen an impressive growth in the demand for these unique wines. While we wine professionals always like to share, we do pride ourselves on our personal wine discoveries and favorites and tend to hold those close to our hearts. However, my pride of exclusivity is no matter for the joy I receive enjoying these wines with friends. They simply must be shared.

I can confidently say these wines will soon be hitting major areas and markets, quickly becoming the next new thing on the wine scene. And trust me when I say you’re going to want to be a part of it…

When strolling through the Medieval walled streets of Dubrovnik, I oftentimes found myself pausing, mouth agape, taking in the living, breathing history of centuries past. Cobblestone streets so warn you slip in a soft summer rain, potted plants still sit where generations of windowsill sitters have enjoyed them, friends gather at the same café morning after morning as ancestors have for lifetimes past – it is impossible to ignore the charm, the character, and the community of the Croatian life.

Your ticket is a corkscrew, your flight a glass, and your destination a pour of Hvar Hills. They have encapsulated the breathtaking coastal views, the soft, briny aroma of the Adriatic Sea, the sticky-sweet taste of the air, and the community that constantly entices me. And if you want to become a part of it, you are simply, one glass away.

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