Stobi Winery - 'Veritas' Vranec Premium Reserve 2015
Pairing Suggestions
Stobi Winery - 'Veritas' Vranec Premium Reserve 2015 (87 TSW)
Today a wine from Macedonia on the winetable.100% Vranec from Tikveš region. The Vranec may be completely unknown worldwide, it is the public's favorite of the Western Balkans. In Montenegro where he is called Vranac, Serbia and especially North Macedonia, he is poured a lot. Usually as a cépage, sometimes mixed with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to a typical Balkan blend.
Vranec's wines can best be compared to Argentinian Malbec or Californian Zinfandel.
Now talking about this wine from Stobi Winery. Stobi Winery is located in northeastern Macedonia, right next to the ruin of the town of Stobi, after which the winery is named. Stobi Wintery is internationally known for its state-of-the-art basement technology. Thanks to their careful and dedicated approach, 30% to 50% less sulfur is used in winemaking, something both oenologists consider very important.
Stobi Winery cultivates internationally known grape varieties such as syrah, merlot, pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling and gems such as muscat ottonel, but has also specialized in native varieties such as r'kaciteli and vranec. For the premium wines, the yield of the vines is limited, the grapes are picked manually and then processed as carefully as possible.
My tasting notes:
In the glass an opaque ruby, inky red color.
On the medium+ nose aromas of black cherries, blackberries and black currants with hints of espresso, dark chocolate, cedar and vanilla.
On the palate dry, full-bodied with supple, round mouthfeel and medium+ tannins. Flavours of black currants, dried spices and cedar. Very big and muscular but I miss a bit the complexity and refinement. Mabye the time will give this muscle wine some more mildness.
To pair with a braised leg of lamb. This powerful wine also goes with moussaka, spicy roasted aubergine dishes or aged cheeses.