Category Archives: macedonia

Tikves Special Selection Vranec 2013

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Estate: Founded in 1885, Tikves Winery is the oldest and largest winery in south east Europe. It is renowned for preserving and revitalizing indigenous varieties such as Rkaticeli, Kratosija, Vranec and Plavec. In 2010 the winery brought in wine consultant Philippe Cambie, who modernized and updated both the winery and cellar practices. More than 50 different wines are currently produced at the estate, and they comprise 60% of all exported Macedonian wine. They are certified sustainable.

Winemaking: Hand harvested from vines at an altitude of 500 meters, 30-60 years in age with alluvial gravel and red clay soils. Aged for 1 year in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Inky dark violet in colour with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, plum, bramble and peppery spice. Intense dark fruit, and a streak of earth is layered over a spicy core and framed by silky tannins and balancing acidity. Plum, black cherry, black pepper and a hint of toasted oak comprise the lengthy finish. A bold, energetic synthesis of fruit and spice, an excellent value wine to mix things up a bit. Good on its own or with hearty, spicy dishes. [It was great with creamy basil pesto pasta and chili pepper faux chicken.]

Pairing Suggestion from the Winery: Spicy and strong dishes, grilled meats.

100% Vranec
Macedonia
Produced and Bottled by Vinarska vizba Tikves
14% Alcohol
$9
Enjoy now thru 2019

Rated 90 points by Wine Advocate

Stobi Vranec 2012

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stobi

Estate: Stobi winery is a new, modern estate located in Gradsko, next to the ancient site of Stobi in central Macedonian. They have 200 hectares of Vranec vineyards, with vines ranging in age from 25 to 40 years. This is a “classic” Vranec “that focuses on bright juicy fruit with its typical morello cherry and licorice notes, making tasty drinking for everyday”.

Winemaking: The estate crafts “clean” wines, they do not use chemicals or pesticides, and their sulphur use is 30-50% lower then the average winery. Vinified in stainless steel and aged in French oak casks.

Philosophy: “We are committed to creating wines of superb and impeccable quality. Wines that are unique enough to satisfy the most selective tastes, and so simple for anyone to desire them.” They very eloquently state: “The grapes carry in themselves the soil and the climate in which they grew up. That is the soul of the wine. It unites the elements of nature with the power, wisdom and spirit of the people of the land. We keep the covenant of our ancestors. Through the wine, we unite the past and the future, the tradition of the old masters in harmony with the modern knowledge and technology, so to steal a small part of immortality and pack it in a bottle full of wine, a bottle full of passion for life.”

Tasting Notes: Inky violet in colour with pronounced aromas of campfire and sweet peppery spice. Herbaceous elements and earthy tree bark elements underscore concentrated red currant, cherry and plum notes, whilst hints of dark chocolate highlight the smoky black peppercorn finish. Intense and rustic, this is an engaging sip well worth seeking out, and a fantastic companion with the heartiest of dishes.

100% Vranec
Macedonia
Vinted and Bottled by Stobi Winery
14.5% alcohol
$8
Enjoy now thru 2016