(I apologize for the iPhone Shots!)
What comes to mind when you hear Macedonia? The three "H's"??? History? Helmets? Handball?
Well now it shall be VRANEC!!! (pronounced Vranetz) The Black Stallion of Macedonia!
I recently tasted through some Macedonian wines in the office of Two Friends Imports . Seeing that I know nothing about Macedonian wine, I opted to sit, sip, and chat vs. just grabbing some samples.
We tasted wines from Bovin, who was described to me as similar to the "Mondavi of Macedonia." (High quality, large scale, but still using old world methods).
3 stood out for me.
2008 Bovin Symphony- An interesting mix of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
More Riesling on the nose, but a full bodied, and pleasantly acidic wine, with a touch of residual sugar. I want to try this as an alternate wine on Szechuan forays to see how it stands up with a little heat. Curious juice.
2006 Bovin Alexandar- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Vranec blend. Deep purple, a little graphite, dark fruit, and a touch of floral. Full bodied, a little tart, and medium, but soft tannins. Pleasurable, and interesting from the addition of Vranec. It reminded me a bit of a Malbec / Cab Blend.
2007 Bovin Vranec (Insert wild horse sounds here)
Black- like new world Petite Syrah. The color almost frightened me. But on the nose- Like a cross between Gamay and Malbec- Floral, Cherry, Chocolate. Medium bodied, not as delicate as Gamay, but not quite as velvety as Malbec (though a hint)... soft+ to medium- tannins, and easy drinking. Delivers pleasure. Cool stuff.
These were fairly old world in style, but more refined than rustic. For myself, I'd pick up the Vranec for nights by the grill, and if the price was right, I would happily order the Symphony, Chard and Vranec by the glass. Solid interesting stuff.
**The wine samples poured for me at no charge. I did feel my inner catfish, when I accepted the remains of the open Vranec to take home (justified to myself in the name of science).
