Winemaker Notes
Founded in 1885, Tikves Winery has witnessed the independence of the Balkans, two world wars and one cold one, yet through it all they have continued to make wines from grapes native to the region: Rkaticeli, Kratosija, Vranec and Plavec. With the fall of communism and independence of Macedonia this historic estate was privatized and new investments were made to update the practices in the vineyard and cellar. Sustainable farming has replaced industrial farming, yields have been lowered and indigenous varieties have been preserved. With the assistance of Philippe Cambie they have modernized their cellar practices by utilizing temperature controlled stainless steel for fermentation's with concrete and French oak barrels for aging.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Rkatsiteli is unoaked, very dry and comes in at 14.2% alcohol. Nicely concentrated for the price level, this adds a lingering finish with notable grip. It is not as expressive as it will be in a year or so, but it becomes far more so with air and warmth. Its pure and tasty fruit makes it a pleasure to drink. This will unwind in a few months. It should make great drinking this summer. It is another impressive white value from the winery and its importer this issue. It should hold nicely, too, perhaps better than anticipated.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
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.