Red wines in the Balkans

Prokupac

Prokupac is one of the Balkan Peninsula’s most widely planted red grapes, though, curiously, it is not always used to make deeply hued wines. Because of this grape’s proclivity for high sugar levels, it is often used to make high-quality brandies. Several winemakers discovered that, when macerated for a short time, this grape could display refined, elegant red fruit aromas in rosé wines. Finally, after years of experimentation, several high-quality winemakers turned this grape into an ageworthy wine with layers of complexity;

Teran

The Teran grape, or Terrano as it is called in Italy, belongs to the Refosco family of grapes. Refosco is one of the world's oldest grape families, and Teran is no exception. Within this family, the Teran grape was found to have adapted specifically to the Terra Rossa soils of the Istrian Peninsula. Here, iron-rich clay-based soils work to maintain acidity while developing high levels of ripeness. The resulting wines show Refosco's characteristic black berry aromas with a hint of amaro and eucalyptus. When macerated for a short period, this grape can make beautifully-nuanced rosé wines, but when macerated fully, it makes for a lusciously rich, food-friendly red wine;

Kallmet

This ancient and indigenous grape Kallmet is one of the best known red grape varieties in Albania. Kallmet generally yields between two to three small clusters of big grapes and is purple red in color. It is considered to be a highly productive grape variety, early ripening and generally considered to be a consistent performer during less favorable weather conditions. The grape ripens during the middle of August and is harvested at 23 to 25 Brix (measured sugar content). Historically, Kallmet has been cultivated in the hilly area of Zadrima and in the vicinity of Shkoder Lake. Today it is cultivated in Malesi e Madhe, Shkoder, Lezhe, Kurbin, and Miredite.

Babic

It is a red wine, made from blue wine grapes, coming from the region of Dalmatia. The region around Šibenik is the area where these grapes grow and this wine is characterized with strong density and full-bodied taste. Babić wines have traces of dark berries, plums and figs, as well as distinct spices. Maturation in barrels enhances the wine`s longevity and its spicy taste.

Mavrud

It is a traditional Bulgarian red grape variety. It is one of the oldest and considered one of the most valuable local varieties of the highest quality. The wines from Mavrud usually have a saturated crimson ruby colour, sufficient content of tannins and acidity and pronounced density. The flavor is quite specific, juicy, with notes of blackberries, overripe mulberries, spices. These wines develop excellently in contact with oak whereby they obtain rich, complex aroma and deep, harmonious taste. The Mavrud wines have also very good aging potential.