VinologyWine Editorial

My January Wine List

Ivana Simjanovska
Wine consultant, wine guide for Macedonia Experience & international wine judge
ivanasimjanovska.com


Popov Winery, Luna Cremant Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut
The first sparkling wine from Popov winery produced from Chardonnay variety by using the traditional method. An elegant sparkler with brioche, yeast, and hazelnut aromas. The palate gives away delicate texture and buttery notes, accompanied by lemon zest adding freshness to this remarkable wine. Luna was aged for more than five years on fine lees adding additional elegance and character to this full-bodied wine. In addition to all the above said, excellent price-value! A great pick for a welcome drink or breakfast as a substitute for Cava or Champagne (dare I say a lot cheaper).


Available at Vin-Art (Popov winery’s wine store in Skopje) & Biblioteka Wine & Liquor Store.

Price 800 den *


Eros Winery P’na Mesecina Muscat Ottonel 2019
Eros winery is a small family winery led by Sashko Andov & his father that dedicate themselves to local & regional varieties such as Stanushina & Vranec as well as international ones like Chardonnay &  Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (Temjanika is the Macedonian synonym for the variety). This wine got its name due to the fact that the grapes were harvested during the night time on Full Moon (П’на месечина- a local Kavadarci dialect for Полна месечина (Full Moon). It is a dry young light-bodied wine made from Muscat Ottonel variety – abundant in light elderflower & citrus aromas, with lovely citrus fruits taste. Unfiltered & unstabilized wine, just ready to be consumed. Pairs excellent with pear & baby spinach salad and light pasta dishes.

Available only from the winery (they also deliver to Skopje without charge). 

Price 270 MKD


Chateau Sopot Temjanika Semi-Sweet 2019
This semi-sweet Temjanika is my pick to be paired with a platter of young and aged cheeses accompanied by orange & lemon marmalades- just enough to warm up the palate of your guests for the festive dinner.  Elderflower & honey aromas on the nose. The palate offers an abundance of citrus fruits and honeycomb all accompanied by refreshing acidity.
Available at specialized wine stores and bigger supermarkets. 

Price 499 MKD *


Naumchevi Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique 2018  
Gjorgji Naumchev, the enologist & owner of Naumchevi winery, keeps on surprising by perfecting his wine range year after year. And this Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. A complex dry wine that opens in layers on the nose and palate- packed with dark forest berries, licorice, cocoa powder, and subtle vanilla hints. A full-bodied & luscious wine. It’s a steal for the price as it offers a lot & beyond!

Available at the winery & they also deliver to Skopje & other towns in the country free of charge.

Price 500 MKD


Venec Orle Vranec 2016
Another absolute favorite hit last year & not only mine & my circle of wine friends, but also one of the best sellers in the wine stores and restaurants throughout the country. Dry red wine produced from the Vranec variety from the winery’s own 20-year-old vineyards located at 500 m altitudes in the village of Orle. It is characterized by intense dark red color and aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, cocoa, and tobacco leaves with additional hints of violets, honeycomb, and honey. An elegant and full-bodied wine with tamed tannins and harmonic acidity and a long canella aftertaste. Great price value!


Available at Biblioteka, Fine Wine & other specialized wine stores.

Price 650 MKD

  


Chateau Kamnik Kratoshija Reserva 2017
A dry red wine made from grapes of the Kratoshija variety which is the same as Tibidrag in Croatia, Primitivo in Italy & Zinfandel in the States. This full-bodied wine comes to its full power through the vinification with 15% of Vranec grapes. The bouquet is luxuriant in red and dark berries aromas enriched with spicy undertones. It was aged for 30 months in new and partially used American and French oak barrels makes this wine a genuine reserve with discreet spicy tones of clove, touch of aromas of mocha coffee, vanilla, and licorice. The taste is elegant, complex, and full-bodied, with excellent structure, high extract & velvety tannins.
Available at the winery, Kamnik Wine Store & specialized wine stores.

Price 1.100 MKD

* Please note that the given prices may vary