Serbian wine is unfairly deprived of the attention of gourmets from around the world. And in this Balkan country they know a lot about the manufacture of alcoholic beverages. The first vines were planted here by the ancient Romans, who appreciated the climate and soil of Serbia. From ancient times to the present day, some varieties have mutated and become autochthonous, unique to the Balkan Peninsula. The most famous of them are Krstach - with white berries, and Vranac - with black ones. A characteristic feature of these varieties is that they do not tolerate blends. Therefore, drinks are named after grapes - “Vranats” and “Krstach”. This article is about the first grade. The name "Vranats" is translated simply - "black sheep". And, looking at the blue-black berries, you understand that the name for the variety is well-chosen. Vranac grapes have a very dense peel. This allows you to deliver the berry to the whole vat to obtain valuable wort.
Terroir
Vranac wine is grown and produced in all countries of the former Yugoslavia. This variety is planted about seventy squares in Montenegro. The terroir near Skadar Lake is especially appreciated. The valley in Macedonia between the two Rhodope and Pinda mountain ranges is also completely occupied by the vineyards of Vranac. In Serbia, far less land is allocated for this variety. But this does not mean at all that Vranac is unpopular in the country. On the contrary, the Serbs believe that without ruby wine it is impossible to feel the taste of prosciutto - smoked pork ham on coals. But outside the country, “Vranats” is completely unknown. The fact is that winemaking in Serbia is developing in the direction of supporting a small producer. But in Montenegro, things are different. Several large wineries have made their way to the European market. Therefore, the Russian consumer can try the products of the Montenegrin company Plantage. She, among others, also produces Vranats wine, which is popular in the Balkans. And to try the Serbian counterpart, you need to come to the country as part of a gastronomic tour.
Brand Zupa
However, on the shelves of Russian alcohol shops with a wide range of products you can find wine from the Vranats variety. And it will seduce the price. After all, the drink is not contained in the glass, but in the tetrapack. It is called Zupa. If you look at the composition and country of origin, the label indicates: 100% Vranac, wine, Serbia. But gourmets do not recommend starting acquaintance with this variety with Zupa. Bunches were bought by the company from various wine growers, and the terroir of the drink is the most colorful. In the Balkans, it occupies the lowest price segment. But this wine is suitable for accompanying a simple everyday lunch. It has a beautiful dark red color, the smell of wild berries and a pleasant fresh taste. Dry sour wine hides the fat content of pork dishes. Serve it slightly chilled (up to eighteen degrees).
The best wines from Vranac. "For heart"
The best wine "Vranats" (red, dry) is made in Montenegro. The “Pro Kord” brand, which translates to “For the Heart,” Plantage won many gold and silver medals at international competitions in 2013-2014. This reputable manufacturer has long been present in the European market. Its vineyards are located in the best vineyards of Montenegro. The average age of the vines reaches thirty-six years. Harvested in September strictly by hand, so as not to damage the integrity of the berries. At the winery, clusters undergo ten-day fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of +26 ° C. For maceration, 11 days are also given. Then the wine is aged for two years, either in steel tanks or in oak barrels.
Tasting Pro Cord wine
Already one rich ruby color of the drink with a light violet tint adjusts to a festive mood. Let us raise a glass. The wine is dense, leaves a "tear" on the glass. Fragrance? Bright fruit. This is a complex bouquet in which dark plums, black currants and ripe cherries are read. The aroma is slightly sweet: vanilla and crumb of white fresh bread add this touch of wine. As for taste, one sip takes us to the fertile hot south. Tannins are felt, but they are very velvet. Sommeliers assure that the taste of Montenegrin wine “Vranats” of the Plantage company can be compared with the French Pinot Gris. All products are aged for at least a year in stainless steel tanks. Vintage wines such as Pro Cord spend at least two years in barrels before being bottled. During this time, the wine acquires the aroma of coffee and prunes, and chocolate notes begin to be felt in the taste. The strength of this drink is 14 degrees.
Crnogorski vranac
This Montenegrin wine “Vranac” of the Plantage company is distinguished by a dark red, turning into purple color. In a complex bouquet of medium intensity, the aroma of ripe cherries, wild berries and barely audible sweet vanilla is felt. The taste of wine is infinitely fruity, southern. Soft, rounded tannins give the full-bodied drink a bewitching velvet. The finish is long-playing, complex. This dry red wine has a fortress of thirteen degrees. And sugar contains only 0.16 grams per liter. The product of the 2006 crop is especially good.
Vranac Potkrajski: 100% Vranac (wine, Serbia)
The price of this drink in Serbia itself is about three hundred and twenty rubles. That is, you can’t call it a cheap product. “Potraiski Vranac” is produced by the small family winery Jović, which owns fifteen hectares of fertile land, five kilometers from the town of Knyazhevac. The mountains of Stara Planina and Tupiznitsa create an excellent microclimate for growing vines. Wine "Potraiski Vranac" has a dark ruby color. The bouquet is dominated by bitter-sweet wild cherries, vanilla and plum. The taste of the drink is saturated. It feels notes of wild berries with a faint coffee tint. The finish is long, playing. The strength of this dry red wine is thirteen percent. It is used with juicy meat dishes of Serbian cuisine. But you can serve mature cheeses, salami and smoked ham snacks with wine.
"Tribune"
Typically, Vranats wine is made monosortovy. But there are exceptions. Wine "Tribune", which makes the company "Podrum Andelik" - a blend of varieties Vranats, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. What gives such an alliance of the Balkan variety with two French? Vranac gives the drink a temperament and character. Merlot gives wine lightness, nourishment. And thanks to the presence of Cabernet in the blend, notes of prunes are heard in the aroma of the drink, and a pleasant astringency is tasted. Do not forget that the wine is aged for another ninety days in oak barrels, which saturates it with tannins. The drink has a very pleasant acidity, which makes it suitable for accompanying fatty meat dishes. The strength of this wine is 12.5%. A bottle of “Tribune” costs about seven hundred rubles in Serbia.
“Vranats Broyanitsa”
In fact, the Zupa company is a huge Serbian concern that produces many products based on grapes - from vinegar to liquors. But if we do not focus on wines in tetrapacks from the lowest price category, we will find quite decent drinks. One of them is Vranac Broyanitsa. This table wine has a very nice ruby color. On the palate - very characteristic, with a Balkan temperament, notes of southern fruits are heard. The aroma of the wine is fresh, with hints of blackberry, blueberry, strawberry. This wine should be served at a temperature of eighteen degrees to meat dishes. Suitable as an aperitif or accompaniment of tapas.