Tikves Vranec Special Selection 2010
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made by consulting oenologist Philippe Cambie, who has been telling me for years, “Wait until you taste my wines from Macedonia,” this 100% Vranec (an indigenous varietal) reveals a high quality California Zinfandel-like, briery, raspberry, earthy, peppery fruit character as well as a southern Rhone garrigue and spice box note. The wine possesses gorgeous fruit, medium to full body, supple tannins and outstanding purity as well as length. This remarkable value exhibits a deep ruby/plum color, abundant black currant fruit, and an unmistakable personality. It comes from 30 to 60-year-old Vranec vines from the oldest winery in Macedonia, first established in 1885. How long will it last? I have no idea, but there is certainly enough fruit and body for it to hold up for at least 2-4 years. But, why wait?
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2013-
Robert
Parker
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
Between Albania and Bulgaria, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) shares its southern border with Greece and Greece's wine appellation of the same name.
Though there are three main wine regions of Macedonia (FYROM), interest is growing also in the mountainous areas along the border. The established areas include Pcinya-Osogovo in the east, Pelagoniya-Polog in the west, and the central region of Povardarie (also called the Vardar River Valley). Povardarie is the most influential, including almost 90% of the country’s vineyard area, most of which are within this region’s Tikveš district.
Macedonia (FYROM) produces full-bodied red wines. Prevalent varieties include Vranec as well as Stanušina and Ohridsko Crno (the only genuinely indigenous varieties identified), Kratošija (aka Zinfandel) and a few international varieties. Žilavka, Župljanka, Temjanika (Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains), Smederevka, Rkatsiteli and Graševina are the sources of the fresh white wines of the area.