Tikves Barova Red Wine 2018
An intense and opulent wine showing raisined black fruits complemented by dark chocolate and generous toasty oak flavours.
Producer Note - Every wine tells a story about the synergy between the soil, sun, grapes and the country of its origin. The Tikveš Winery has been narrating the Republic of North Macedonia's story as a winemaking country since 1885. However, the Republic of North Macedonia remains one of Europe's last undiscovered wine countries: it is a natural paradise of vineyards, mountains, lakes and rivers, with a climate perfectly suited to producing quality grapes. Located in the Tikveš region, the Tikveš estate sustainably cultivates indigenous varieties such as Smederevka, Vranec and Kratoshija. The grapes are vinified in the state-of-the-art cellar equipped with the latest technology under the watchful eye of illustrious consultant oenologist Philippe Cambie, resulting in a series of authentic and characterful wines.
Vintage - 2017 was characterised by having the smallest harvest recorded in the past 70 years. The yield was reduced by approximately 50% in the Tikves wine region as a result of frost during the spring and at flowering. However, the grapes harvested were healthy, with an excellent balance between acidity and sugar levels and the resulting wines deliver good varietal characteristics.
Vineyard - A blend of two indigenous varieties, Kratoshiya (pronounced krat-oss-SHEE-yah) has the same genetic origins as the Italian Primitivo variety. Vranec (pronounced VRANash) translates as 'black stallion' and wine made from this grape variety is associated with strength and opulence. The double Guyot trained vines are grown in a hilly plot with a southeastern orientation. Planted in well-drained volcanic soils, the roots extend to a depth of 1.2 metres, where the soil is enriched with carbonates, minerals. This complex nutrition level imparts a richness to the resulting wines. The vines are green harvested before véraison in order to further concentrate the flavours within the grapes. Harvest is undertaken manually, in order to ensure the grapes are picked at their optimum maturity.
Winemaking - The grapes were cooled for 12 hours, destemmed, crushed and cold macerated for three days. Vinification took place over the course of 25 days, with regular pumping over taking place in order to extract the desired levels of tannins, colour and flavours. Pressing took place in a pneumatic press which was followed by malolactic conversion. 80% of the wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months, followed by a minimum of six months bottle ageing.
Tasting Note - Complex and elegant aromas of blackberries, plums and cherries combine with subtle hints of vanilla and rich toasty notes. Beautifully textured with a mouth-filling palate of ripe berried fruits against a mineral backdrop and a long-lasting finish.
Grape Kratoshija 65%, Vranec 35%
Winemaker: Marko Stojakovic
Region: Tikveš
Sub region: Barovo
Country: Republic of North Macedonia
Alcohol: 15%
BodyValue: D (A is light, E is full-bodied)
Residual Sugar: 3
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/Yes
Milk/Eggs: No/No
Organic No
Biodynamic No