Wine of the Week: 2013 Ivica Pilizota Plavina

Lighter reds are a "thing" now, and perhaps wines from Croatia will also fill that role soon. Especially if there are more like the 2013 Ivica Pilizota Plavina ($15), a lively delight from the Dalmatia region (proof that grapes like to grow in beautiful places). Some nice meaty and black-pepper notes dance with the cherry-berry base in this lowish-tannin, highish-acidity wine. Along with some persistence on the finish, this mouthwatering red gets bonus points for having just 12.7 percent alcohol. This wine was made for charcuterie and cheeses, so it makes an ideal appetizer wine, or a stand-alone patio aperitif — and will play nicely with anything from off the grill on said patio.

Available at Vinifera, Thomas, Kowalski's, Cork Dork, MGM Vadnais Heights and Falls Liquor.