Wine: Stobi Region: Tikvesh, Republic of North Macedonia
Grape: Vranec (red) Vintage (year grapes were picked): 2018
Price: ¥2178 (£16.22) Alcohol by volume: 15%
Background
First things first – who knows roughly where Macedonia is? For me at least, I had to check the map. It’s directly north of Greece and is on the same latitudinal line as Catalunya (and roughly the same size too). Vranec is an indigenous grape to Macedonia and accounts for the majority of wine production in the country. It's not a grape I have come across before which is extra exciting and going in blind when trying anything new always adds to a more honest sensory response and not having any preconceptions of what something should be like - be it with wine, music, film, even a restaurant - forces us to think more deeply for ourselves. So by all means, if you think you'll be seeking out some Vranec anytime soon, please feel free to stop reading now!
The Wine
First thing to notice is the beautiful, deep, purply-ruby colour of the wine. It’s so thick and full and wonderful and the long luscious ‘legs’ leave a lasting trail as you swirl the glass and they also act as a (probably much needed!) reminder that this juice is 15% abv! A great start!
To smell, it’s full and heady and having had it open for a few hours now it’s giving generous wafts of blueberry, black cherry and dark chocolate – it was a little tight before that mind, so be sure to give it ample time to breathe – it’s recommended to have a wine open for a few hours before drinking, and ideally in a place with a neutral smell.
If you’re averse to tannin, spice or alcohol then I’d steer clear of this one. To drink, it’s these three things that dominate: It generously hugs your gums, it's particularly peppery, and it really is quite boozy – (being English!) I think it’s fantastic but it’s probably not for the faint hearted. And be sure to swish this wine all around your mouth so it touches every corner, it will really express the full force of this juice. The fruitier notes found on the nose do come through but not so prominently given the forthcoming nature of the other components. The tannin and spice nicely remain in your mouth for a little while as the dark berry notes fade. Although the fruitiness of the finish could be a little longer, I personally think this wine is a whole lot of fun and works as a brilliant bang to kickstart the evening – you won’t need more than a few glasses though!
If you have tried a big Californian Zinfandel before, then this would be a fair comparison. However, this Macedonian red does not become sickly or syrupy and at no point does it feel too sugary (unless you do a whole bottle in one sitting!). This wine may as well be called Booze, Spice & Tannin and personally, I think that's great.*
Where To Buy
I got this bottle from a beautiful wine shop in Ōkurayama called チェノ・ヴィノ - 大倉山. They appeared to have close ties with Stobi and I must say it was a lovely surprise to come across such support for Macedonian wine in a local commuter area between Tokyo and Yokohama - it's on the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line if you are ever passing. The design of the shop is unique and elegant - being a 6-foot plus gaijin I did feel a little clumsy plodding around, although that's not really a new feeling for me here! They stock a selection of other wines from more renowned wine countries too, but my recommendation for now is this very affordable Macedonian red.
*Since writing this review I have found that the Vranec grape is known locally as The Black Stallion - you can definitely understand why!
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