Wines of North Macedonia, Greece and Cyprus

Thousands of years before France, Italy, or Spain dominated the wine world, a vibrant culture was already perfecting viticulture with a network stretching from the soaring peaks of the Balkans down through the Aegean Sea. This month we explore the wines of North Macedonia, Greece and Cyprus, who right now are undergoing a massive wine revolution. By blending extreme terroirs with indigenous grapes such as Vranec and Xinomavro, these nations are producing some of the most dynamic and expressive wines you can get your hands on....

Ezimit Viognier

North Macedonia is a hidden gem in the heart of the Balkan peninsula. Blending thousands of years of viticultural history with state of the art modern winemaking it is now producing some of the most exciting wines on the market today.
Ezimit Winery is one of the largest and most modern wine producers in North Macedonia. Founded in 1991, the family-owned winery is located in the city of Štip within the Ovče Pole wine district.The winery seamlessly balances centuries-old Macedonian winemaking traditions with advanced, automated harvesting and state-of-the-art production technology. Their interpretation of Viognier is bold and complex - Straw yellow in colour it features a wonderful mix of floral, chamomile, soft white stone fruits and notes of honey. A Viognier to savour!

Imako Vino 'Constellation' Red

Next, from from Ezimit in the city of Štip we next visit Imako Vino,  who, since 2002 have grown rapidly to become one of the country's most respected and largest producers with over 650ha under vine and an annual production of 10m litres! Their 'constellation' range is a premium, terroir-focused line produced in small batches from choice micro-locations near the estate. These wines are engineered for complexity and long-term aging. The 'constellation' red is an expressive example made using North Macedonia's flagship grape Vranec blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, all hand harvested. As you can expect from a blend like that this is a big, bold, full-bodied red! Aromas of blueberries, blackberries, sour cherry combine with spicy notes of black pepper, coffee and nutmeg. Tannins are velvety and acidity is smooth.

Alpha Estate 'Hedgehog' Xinomavro

Our next wine is made from the delicious indigenous Greek grape variety, Xinomavro, harvested from a single vineyard on the Amyndeon plateau in north-west Greece. Here the grapes enjoy a slow-ripening season at 690m above sea level with the vineyard facing Lake Petron and Mt. Voras. Cool air circulates over sandy clay and limestone soils and the harvest is very selective. The wine is left on lees for 8 months before a year's maturation in Allier oak barrel and a final year in bottle. The result is a full bodied, structured red wine backed by silky tannins and a long finish. This is a lovely example showing  blackberry, clove and black pepper spice..

Kyperouna Petritis

Produced by the boutique Kyperounda Winery in the mountainous Pitsilia region of Limassol, our next wine is widely considered a benchmark expression for Cypriot winemaking. Kyperounda Petritis is a highly acclaimed, premium dry white wine from Cyprus. It is celebrated globally for being crafted from grapes grown in some of the highest vineyards in Europe at 1400m above sea level.
 Petritis is made entirely from 100% Xynisteri, the primary indigenous white grape variety of Cyprus. While Xynisteri is traditionally vinified only in stainless steel to be drunk young, Kyperounda breaks the rules. Winemaker Minas Mina ferments the wine on its lees, aging roughly 20% of the batch in new oak barrels for two to three month - This brief oak contact gives Petritis a creamy complexity and structure, meaning it can mature and age beautifully in a cellar, unlike typical lighter Xynisteri wines. The nose is exuberant with an aromatic bouquet featuring crisp citrus fruits, candied lime, gooseberry, lychee, and fresh pineapple. A softly textured and perfectly balanced palate shows piercing, mineral-driven acidity balanced by a creamy mouthfeel, exotic spice notes, and a subtle hint of warm vanilla from the oak.

Imako Vino 'Majestic' Vranec

We return to Imako Vino to try their bold, intense Vranec which is North Macedonia's flagship indigenous grape variety. In a robust and extracted style reminiscent of a full bodied Australian Shiraz , the wine has an expressive bouquet of black forest fruits (bramble and damson plum) underpinned by smoky undertones and subtle hints of tobacco. The palate is packed with dark berry flavours layered with rich cocoa, clove, and vanilla. The tannins are notable but rounded out to provide a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

Imako Vino Estate Rose

Showing that they also have a more subtle side, we complete our journey this month with the delicate Estate Rose from Imako. This is a premium, refreshing rosé wine highly regarded as an accessible yet elegant expression of Balkan winemaking, showcasing a bright, clean flavour profile. It has a beautiful pale salmon colour in the glass with a fresh nose of strawberry, cherry and rose petals. It's also crisp and refreshing on the palate, balancing ripe red fruit with a streak of citrus zest to keep you wanting more....Nazdravje!