Temjanika

A grape of mysterious origin, with an emphasis on muscat and a wonderful aroma that leaves no one indifferent. The name itself, frankincense, means a strong, intense smell of thyme. Temjanika wine simply paints your day with the cheerful colors of flowers and fruits. The grape is said to have originated in the Middle East and it can be listed under many synonyms, depending on the place where it is cultivated.

This variety represents one of the oldest and finally widespread varieties in the world. Its primary name according to OIV is Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains. In Macedonia, the grape is mainly found in the Tikves wine district, where it has been cultivated separately in vines for a long period; however, there have been new vineyard plantations in recent times, as this variety is highly sought after due to the interest shown in the production of Muscat wines.

Temjanika is a variety that requires a warm climate, Temjanika has an average yield and the grapes have a thick skin, are medium-sized with a yellow-green skin and what looks like rust spots on the sunny side of the bunch. The bunches are compressed, medium-sized with a cylindrical-conical shape. The juice is colorless and has an intense muscat aroma. There is also dark Temjanika which is very rare and of exceptional quality. Under the climatic conditions of the Tikves wine district, the grape ripens in late August or early September and produces high-quality dry, semi-dry and dessert muscat wines.

Macedonian Temjanika has an intense yellow-golden color with nuances of green and very complex aromas. The main aromas are those of Muscat and its spicy fruity scents of peach, apricot, dried plum and orange dominate at the beginning, while the taste of basil and incense follow later.

Temjanika wine is served at a temperature of 10-12 degrees and can be consumed with light food, white meat, seafood and asparagus. With a long and dry autumn, the grapes can be kept in perfect condition to stay on the vine longer and thus absorb more sugar. This can later be turned into dry grapes for the production of natural dessert wines with a high alcohol content.