Grapes
ALBANIA
Shesh i Zi
Shesh i Zi is a unique and rare red grape variety that is grown primarily in the region of Shkoder, Albania. This grape is known for its intense aromas and flavors of red fruit, black pepper, and spices. It is a medium to full-bodied wine with a good balance of acidity and tannins, making it ideal for aging. The grape is known for its ability to produce high quality red wine, with a good aging potential. The name Shesh i Zi is translated as “black field" as a reference to its origin in the Shesh Hills of central Albania, located outside of Tirana. The grape has been grown for centuries, although it is not widely known outside of Albania. It is a perfect choice for wine enthusiasts looking for something new and unique to try.
Shesh i Bardhe
Shesh i Bardhe is a white grape variety that is grown primarily in the region of Shkoder, Albania. This grape is known for its intense aromas and flavors of red fruit and wild flowers. It is a medium to full-bodied wine with a good balance of acidity and tannins, making it ideal for aging. The grape is known for its ability to produce high quality red wine, with a good aging potential. The name Shesh i Barhe is translated as "six ears", which is a reference to the grape clusters having six berries. The grape has been grown for centuries, although it is not widely known outside of Albania. It is a perfect choice for wine enthusiasts looking for something new and unique to try.
Kallmet
Kallmet is a red wine grape variety grown primarily in the region of Shkoder, Albania. It is a local variety known for producing full-bodied, spicy and intense wines with a high tannin content. Kallmet grapes are small and tightly packed on the vine, giving them a concentrated flavor profile. The wines produced from Kallmet grapes are often described as having flavors of blackberry, cherry, and black pepper, with a hint of minerality. This grape is known for its ability to produce high-quality red wines with good aging potential. Kallmet is a unique and rare variety that is not widely known outside of Albania, making it a great option for wine enthusiasts seeking new and unusual wine experiences.
Northern Region
Manakuq is a white wine grape variety known for producing floral and fruity wines with a medium acidity and low alcohol levels.
Southern Region
Kryqes is a red wine grape variety known for producing tannic and robust wines with high alcohol levels and strong spicy notes.
Mjaltëz is a white wine grape variety known for producing floral and fruity wines with a balanced acidity and medium alcohol levels.
Mavrud is a red wine grape variety known for producing full-bodied and tannic wines with high alcohol levels and strong spicy notes.
Kotekë is a red wine grape variety known for producing full-bodied and tannic wines with high alcohol levels and a spicy aroma.
Vranac is a red wine grape variety known for producing full-bodied and tannic wines with high alcohol levels and a strong fruity aroma.
Tajgë is a red wine grape variety known for producing full-bodied and tannic wines with high alcohol levels and a spicy aroma.
Western Region
Vlosh is a red wine grape variety known for producing fruity and floral wines with medium tannin levels.
Red Serine is a red wine grape variety known for producing medium-bodied and fruit-forward wines with a balanced acidity.
Stambolleshë is a red wine grape variety known for producing medium-bodied and fruity wines with a balanced acidity and tannin levels.
Babasan is a red wine grape variety known for producing tannic and full-bodied wines with high alcohol levels and a spicy aroma.
White Serine is a white wine grape variety known for producing floral and fruity wines with a medium acidity and alcohol levels.
Pules is a red wine grape variety grown in Albania and is known for producing full-bodied, robust wines with flavors of dark fruit, spices, and tannins.
Ceruje is a white wine grape variety high in sugar and is known for producing Raki
Mereshnik is a red wine grape variety grown in the Balkans and is known for producing rich, full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors, spices.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Blatina
Blatina is a red wine grape variety that is indigenous to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is known for producing full-bodied and deeply colored wines with aromas and flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as spices and a hint of tannins. Blatina is widely planted in the Herzegovina region and is often blended with other local grape varieties, such as Vranac, to produce complex and richly flavored wines. The grape is well-suited to the warm and sunny climate of Herzegovina, and it thrives in the fertile, well-draining soils of the region. Blatina wines are well-regarded for their bold and robust flavors and are enjoyed by wine lovers both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world.
Zilavka
Žilavka is a white wine grape variety that is indigenous to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is known for producing fresh, crisp, and aromatic wines with notes of green apple, pear, lemon, and herbs. Žilavka is widely planted in the Herzegovina region and is often blended with other local grape varieties to produce complex and well-balanced wines. The grape is well-suited to the warm and sunny climate of Herzegovina, and it thrives in the fertile, well-draining soils of the region. Žilavka wines are known for their bright acidity and refreshing character, and they are often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with light meals such as salads, seafood, or white meats. Žilavka is also a popular choice for producing sparkling wines, where its fresh and fruity character is accentuated by the bubbles.
KOSOVO
Vranc
Vranc is a red wine grape variety that is grown in Kosovo. This grape variety is known for producing full-bodied and tannic wines with moderate to high acidity. The aroma and flavor profile of wines made from Vranc can include black fruit such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum, as well as spicy and earthy notes. This grape is often blended with other red wine varieties to create well-balanced and complex wines. While not widely known outside of Kosovo, Vranc has been a staple of the country's wine production for many years and continues to play an important role in the local wine industry.
Rrush i Rhavoecit
The Rrush i Rhavoecit grape is a native variety of Kosovo, and is also known as the "Red Root." It is believed to produce red wine that is high in tannins and has a medium-to-full body. The aromas and flavors can vary depending on the winemaking techniques used, but they may include notes of dark fruit, spices, and herbs. The Rrush i Rhavoecit grape is a traditional variety that is still grown in Kosovo, although it is not widely known outside of the region.
Dibrak
The Dibrak grape is a white wine grape variety that is grown in the Kosovo region of the Balkans. It is a local grape variety that has been traditionally used for the production of crisp, light-bodied wines. The aroma of the wine made from this grape variety is typically floral with citrus notes and the flavor profile includes green apple, lemon and green peach notes with a fresh and crisp acidity. The wine made from the Dibrak grape is meant to be consumed young and fresh, making it a popular choice for summertime sipping. The vine is known to be hardy and disease-resistant, making it suitable for growing in the challenging conditions found in Kosovo. The exact origin of the Dibrak grape is not known, but it is thought to have been growing in Kosovo for centuries.
The Kruska grape is a red wine grape variety that is believed to be native to the Balkan region, which includes Kosovo. The grape is primarily grown in countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is known for producing medium to full-bodied red wines with a high tannin content. Wines made from the Kruska grape typically have a rich, dark fruit flavor profile, with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, and are often described as having a robust, rustic character. In terms of winemaking, the Kruska grape is considered to be a difficult variety to work with, due to its thick skins and high tannin content, which can make the grapes challenging to ferment and extract flavor from. Despite these challenges, the Kruska grape is prized by many winemakers in the Balkan region for its unique flavor profile and its ability to produce high-quality red wines that are well-suited to aging.
Japrak is a type of grape variety that is commonly used in the production of Rakia, a traditional Balkan distilled spirit. Japrak grapes are small, juicy and flavorful, and are known for their unique taste and aroma. They are typically grown in the Balkans, particularly in countries like Serbia, Bulgaria, and Albania. The variety is known for its high sugar content and is considered to be one of the most important grape varieties for Rakia production in the region. The exact origin of Japrak grapes is not known, but it is believed to have originated in the Balkans. The flavor profile of Japrak grapes is characterized by notes of sweet fruit and floral aromas, which are further developed and enhanced in the Rakia production process.
NORTH MACEDONIA
Kadarka
Kadarka is a red grape variety that is widely grown in North Macedonia, particularly in the Pelagonija-Polog wine region. It is known for producing light to medium-bodied red wines with flavors and aromas of red fruit, spices, and sometimes a touch of floral notes.
Kratosija
Kratosija, most popular in North Macedonia, is a red wine grape variety and is known for producing medium-bodied red wines. The wines have good fruit flavors and aromas, balanced acidity, and moderate tannins. They are often characterized by notes of dark fruit, spices, and sometimes a touch of minerality.
Kratosija is a relatively new grape variety but has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its quality and versatility. It is grown in both the Pelagonija-Polog and Tikveš wine regions.
Temjanika
Temjanika is a white grape variety that is widely grown in North Macedonia, particularly in the Pelagonija-Polog wine region. It is known for producing medium-bodied white wines with good fruit flavors and aromas, as well as moderate acidity and good aging potential..
Plovdina is a red grape variety that is widely grown in North Macedonia, and is known for producing light to medium-bodied red wines with delicate fruit flavors and aromas, and moderate tannins.
Prokupac is a red grape variety that is widely grown in North Macedonia, particularly in the Pelagonija-Polog wine region. It is known for producing full-bodied, tannic red wines with intense fruit flavors and aromas, and good aging potential.
MONTENEGRO
Krastac is a red wine grape variety that is grown in Montenegro and is used to produce high-quality red wines. The exact origin of the Krastac grape variety is not well documented, but it is believed to be a local variety that has been grown in the region for centuries. Krastac wines are known for their full-bodied structure and intense flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, spice, and earthy elements. They typically have high tannins and moderate acidity, making them a good choice for aging in the cellar. Krastac wines are often paired with hearty meat dishes, such as grilled steak or roasted lamb.
Smederevka is a white wine grape variety that is widely grown in Montenegro, particularly in the Central and Coastal wine regions of the country. It is a versatile grape that can be used to produce a wide range of wine styles, from crisp and refreshing white wines to more full-bodied and aromatic wines with higher alcohol levels. Smederevka wines are known for their bright fruit flavors and aromas, with notes of green apple, citrus, and floral elements. They typically have moderate acidity and low alcohol levels, making them an excellent choice for refreshing sipping on a warm day. Smederevka wines are often paired with light and fresh dishes, such as salads and grilled seafood. Smederevka is a popular grape variety in Montenegro and is widely used in both local and export wines. It is known for its high yields and reliable performance in the vineyard, making it an important grape variety for Montenegrin winemakers.
SERBIA
Prokupac
Prokupac is a red wine grape variety grown in Serbia. It is also known by the name of Kratosija in some regions. It is a highly prized grape due to its deep color, high tannins, and full-bodied, spicy flavor profile. It is typically used in blends with other grape varieties to create robust and full-bodied red wines.
Ezerjo
Ezerjó originated in Hungary and is used to make dry and botrytized wine. It is primarily grown in the ancient Mór region of central Hungary as well as Serbia, where it rose to prominence after the European phylloxera epidemic wiped out most of the old vines growing there.
Ezerjó wine can be light, crisp and refreshing, and is typically designed for early consumption. However, since it ripens relatively late on the vine, making it susceptible to botrytis, it is also suitable for the production of sweet wines.