Zlatan Otok 'Bilo Idro' Plavac, Srednja I Juzna Dalmacija, Croatia

Bathed in Adriatic sunlight and kissed by sea breezes, the 2022 Zlatan Otok ‘Bilo Idro’ Plavac channels the untamed beauty of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast into a glass of pure coastal joy. Crafted from organically grown Plavac Mali vines rooted in limestone and red clay, this wine embodies both place and passion, lively, juicy, and touched with the salt of the sea. Named after Zlatan Otok’s iconic marina-side restaurant on the island of Hvar, Bilo Idro captures the easygoing spirit of dockside life: vibrant, unpretentious, and meant to be savored from the first sip to the last lingering sunset.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Plavac Mali
• Farming: Organic; no irrigation, minimal spraying, hand-harvested estate fruit
• Fermentation: 8 days of skin maceration in stainless steel tanks with native yeasts
• Aging: 18 months in stainless steel (inox) tanks; coarsely fined, unfiltered
• Soils: Rocky red clay topsoil over rugged limestone base
• Climate: Mediterranean; hot, dry summers and mild winters with coastal breezes
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
• Annual Production: 50,000 bottles

Sensory Description:

Vibrant ruby in the glass, this Plavac Mali brims with aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, and violet, accented by a gentle earthiness. On the palate, it’s bright and lively, with crisp acidity balancing its ripe fruit core. Medium-bodied with soft, fine tannins, Bilo Idro captures the wild coastal energy of its origin, sun-soaked fruit meeting cool evening winds. The finish lingers with subtle notes of spice and minerality, evoking the rugged limestone cliffs of Hvar.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1986 by fisherman-turned-winemaker Zlatan Plenković, Zlatan Otok transformed the coastal village of Sveta Nedilja on Hvar into a symbol of Croatia’s modern wine renaissance. Carved into steep limestone cliffs above the Adriatic, the winery embodies both grit and grace, producing organic, terroir-driven wines that honor the island’s rugged beauty. Plenković’s pioneering spirit, as one of the first private winemakers in post-communist Croatia, laid the foundation for a family legacy now carried on by his son Nikola, who continues to farm by hand, without irrigation, and with deep respect for the environment. From the mountain terraces to their seaside marina and restaurant Bilo Idro, every element of Zlatan Otok reflects a devotion to authenticity, tradition, and the living connection between land and sea.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled at 57–60°F in a Bordeaux or all-purpose red wine glass to highlight its freshness and bright aromatics. Perfect alongside grilled salmon, margherita pizza, or Mediterranean mezze. For casual occasions, it pairs effortlessly with burgers, roasted chicken, or charcuterie, or simply enjoy it solo as the sun sets over the water.

Lively, coastal, and full of character, the 2022 Zlatan Otok ‘Bilo Idro’ Plavac is a joyful expression of Dalmatia’s maritime terroir, a red that invites you to slow down, take in the view, and savor the beauty of the Adriatic in every sip.