Macedonia: a wine country with 4,000 years of history
Wine country Macedonia
The Republic of North Macedonia lies in the middle of the Balkans, in South-East Europe. From north to south, the country borders Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Albania.
Wine is one of the symbols of Macedonia. Viticulture here dates back to antiquity — vines as old as four thousand years have been found. And that applies not only to Macedonia: Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro also have a very long wine history. Surprising perhaps, but the Balkans are one of the oldest wine regions in Europe.
One of Europe's last undiscovered wine countries
Macedonia is a natural paradise of vineyards, mountains, lakes and rivers. Life moves at a different rhythm here, among historic ruins and villages that have remained virtually unchanged through the centuries.
The secret of Macedonian wine lies in the sun. In central Macedonia it shines generously, and you can taste it in the grapes.
In the late 1990s the Macedonian wine industry made up lost ground. New vineyards were planted, old ones restructured, and leading producers committed themselves to putting Macedonia on the international wine map. There has been substantial investment in technology and quality. The result: a thriving wine industry that combines a centuries-old wine culture with modern know-how.
Macedonian wine in figures
- 24,000 hectares of vineyards
- 236,000 tonnes of grapes per year, good for around 220 million litres of wine
- 25th place worldwide in wine production
- Only 5% is drunk domestically — the rest crosses the border
- Wine is one of the most important export products and the main source of income for 15,000 households
Climate
Macedonia lies between the 40th and 43rd parallels — the same climate zone (C2) as the Côtes du Rhône, Rioja and Tuscany. That is no coincidence: these are ideal conditions for viticulture.
The intense aromas of Macedonian wine arise from the combination of Mediterranean and continental influences: warm summer days and cool nights. The surrounding mountains shield the country from cold northern winds. The long ripening process concentrates sugars and acids in the grape, resulting in deep colours and complex aromas.
The three wine regions
Macedonia is a country of minerals, rivers and mountains — and therefore of many different terroirs. Terroir means you can taste the soil in the wine, and that is the first characteristic of a good wine.
The country has three wine regions, divided into sixteen districts.
Povardarie — the heart of Macedonian wine
Povardarie lies in the centre of the country, in the valley of the river Vardar. The main cities are Skopje, Negotino and Kavadarci.
Hot summers, a long autumn and mild winters. A cool wind brings relief at night, so the grapes do not shrivel. An ideal climate.
83% of all Macedonian wine comes from here — in both quantity and quality the most important area in the country. This is also home to Tikveš, Macedonia's best-known wine district.
Pelagonia-Polog — the high plains
In the west, against the Albanian border, at 600 to 800 metres above sea level. Pelagonia lies around Lake Ohrid, an area that is once again booming as a tourist destination.
Humid winters, warm dry summers and large temperature differences: from 41.2°C in summer to -30.4°C in winter. Accounts for 13% of wine production.
Pchinja-Osogovo — the mountains
In eastern Macedonia, bordering Bulgaria. The most mountainous area, with a moderate continental climate that is cooler than the other two regions. Late spring frosts and early autumn frosts occur, and with 656 mm per square metre this is where the most precipitation falls.
Viticulture here is small-scale: 4% of total production.
The indigenous grapes
What makes Macedonia special are the grape varieties you will find nowhere else:
- Vranec — the pride of Macedonia. Deep, powerful, full of dark fruit. The name means 'black horse'.
- Temjanika — floral, aromatic, surprisingly fresh. Related to Muscat.
- Kratosija — genetically related to Primitivo (Zinfandel), but with a character of its own.
- Rkaciteli — one of the oldest white grapes in the world, fresh and mineral.
- Smederevka — light and lively, ideal as an aperitif.
- Zilavka — full and aromatic, with firm freshness.
International grapes are also grown: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir. Often in blends with indigenous varieties, producing wines that are both familiar and surprising.
