Winemaking on the Balkan Peninsula dates back over a thousand years: the first vines were planted here by the Romans. Over time, imported grapes mutated and gave rise to native varieties. The most famous drinks are made from red grapes Vranac and white Krstac.
The Serbian word “vranac” perfectly describes the wine of the same name. In translation, it means “black, black”. This is the color of the berries from which the drink is made. The Vranac variety is grown in the Balkans in all countries of the former Yugoslavia. You can try wine in Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia, and in the first it is produced in the largest quantities.
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Manufacturing specifics
The climate of the Balkan Peninsula is optimal for growing black Vranac grapes.
The peculiarity of its fruits is in the high strength of the peel and a small number of seeds.
Large berries abundantly strew the branches. Harvested exclusively by hand to keep the fruit intact.
It is believed that intact grapes are essential to produce quality wine.
As for production, in Montenegro its volumes are comparable to European ones, while in Serbia private winemaking is more developed, represented by small farms.
Accordingly, the area of vineyards also differs. Macedonia is roughly in the middle in terms of plantation size. Grape vines are cultivated here in a valley located between two mountain systems.
After harvesting the raw materials, the fruits are fermented at a temperature of about 25 ° C.
The preparation period is 10 days, after which the future wine goes through the maceration stage, which takes about the same time.
And then the drink is aged for two years in oak barrels or steel tanks.
Wine Producers and Variants
The most famous supplier of the drink is the Montenegrin company Plantaze. She produces Vranac in several versions:
Vranac Pro Corde
It is considered the most worthy wine from this line. The drink gained popularity in Europe and received many awards at prestigious international competitions.
It is produced according to a specially developed technology that preserves the natural taste and the largest number of free radicals that have a beneficial effect on the human body. The alcohol content is about 14%.
The color of the wine is a rich, dark red. The bouquet is fruit and berry interspersed with herbs, coffee and chocolate.
It is recommended to serve chilled with tender “young” meat (baked lamb, poultry dishes), goulash, fish and mature cheese.
Vranac Barrel
Ruby red wine with slight purple hues. Fruits for its manufacture are harvested at the moment of greatest maturity, when the level of sugars reaches its maximum.
During the year, the drink is aged in oak barrels, which give it harmony and soft aroma.
On the palate – a riot of dark forest berries (blackberries and blueberries) with hints of ripe cherries, plums and vanilla.
This is a tart wine with a long aftertaste of caramel and smoke.
It is easy to drink, combined with fatty and spicy meats, smoked meats and hard cheeses. Serving temperature – 18-20 °C.
Vranac Reserve
Drink from the collection of premium wines. Made from the best harvests, aged in wooden barrels (3-5 years).
The producer characterizes the wine as mature and luxurious.
The taste is velvety, rich, fruit and berry, containing shades of prunes, figs, chocolate and coffee.
The aftertaste is long, belongs to the class of drinks “for meditation”.
Suitable for any dishes and for solo use. The best addition is steaks, pork, noble cheeses and smoked meats. Harmoniously sets off chocolate desserts.
Montenegrin Vranac
Wine made according to old recipes. It reflects local traditions and the best features of varietal grapes.
The color of the drink is bright ruby with a transition to purple.
The taste and aroma play with tones of ripe cherries, dark wild berries and prunes, the aftertaste is spicy and warm.
An excellent pairing with meat and fish dishes, spicy appetizers and a cheese plate.
Royal Crow
The dark ruby drink goes through the process of maceration and fermentation in oak containers, after which it is aged for two years in small French oak barrels and one year in bottles.
This is a tart, powerful wine with a rich taste, in which you can catch hints of cherries, plums and blackberries. The drink is highly valued and has a mineral flavor.
It is better to taste products from Serbia and Macedonia directly while visiting these countries. Vranac wine produced on their territory is not supplied to us. The only exceptions are the drinks of the Zupa company, which can be found on sale, packed in a tetrapack. But these are far from the best samples of the famous wine.
Relevance: 31.08.2018
Tags: Wine and vermouth, Wine brands