My March Wine List
Ivana Simjanovska
Wine consultant, wine guide for Macedonia Experience & international wine judge
ivanasimjanovska.com
Slow Wine concept as a part of the Slow Food Macedonia (and Slow Food International) movement was promoted last weekend in the town of Kavadarci by an organized wine tasting & judging of wines from six small family wineries located in the Tikves Wine District. These wineries are part of a larger association called “Tikves Family Wineries” that numbers more than 20 of them. Besides, more and more small wineries from other wine districts have either applied to be members or are soon going to become part of the Slow Wine Macedonia.
Their wines can be ordered directly from the wineries and should you call any of them, they would be more than willing to send you a mixed package containing wines from different wineries.
My March wine list is dedicated to them as my encouragement for them to continue successfully threading the challenging path ahead.
Peshkov Farish Smederevka 2020
Pere Pershkov is a young enologist who has been producing fresh, crispy, clean-cut and above all, fruity wines, under the motto “To work with nature & not against her”. The grapes for this dry organic Smederevka come from the micro-location known as Farish in the Tikves Wine District. Certified organic as of last year, this wine has much to offer- it has the intensity of Granny Smith apples, gooseberry, and lime aromas. It’s zingy, with an overwhelming freshness of green apple and an appealing lightness of touch – a style that should be encouraged.
For a bargaining price of 250 MKD, you get more than just a crowd-pleaser wine.
Jakovlevski Bianca Smederevka 2020
Smederevka seems to have become a favorite among these winemakers as they’re eager to make decent wine from it and encourage wine drinkers to have it as it is & not mixed with sparkling water for the yet, nationwide favorite spritzer mix. This dry Smederevka was blended with 10% Grenache Blanc and it features citrus fruits and Granny Smith apple aromas. Bitter lime peel and green apple fruits await us on the palate backboned by good acidity.
Price 200 MKD.
Naumchev Temjanika 2020
Naumchev has been known as one of the top Macedonian producers of Temjanika and proof of this is that his one almost is sold out once the new vintage is out on the market. Aromatic and fresh basil leaves aromas. Smooth, juicy stone fruit on the palate with zippy citrus acidity and medium finish. Not too many bottles left from 2020 so better hurry if you want to welcome springtime by sipping Naumchev’s Temjanika on your terrace.
Price 250 MKD.
Zaharchev Plovdina Rose 2020
Zaharchev winery is a family winery located in the town of Kavadarci that also dedicated itself to creating wines mostly from local & regional varieties. Plovdina is known to give fruity wines but yet, rather overlooked one in the country’s vineyards. These Plovdina grapes come from vineyards that are under conversion & soon to be certified organic. Salmon-pink color, fruit-driven, and light. Attractive and expressive crisp red berry fruits on the palate with a lovely acidity make this rose lovely and easy drinkable.
Price 270 MKD.
Popovi Temjanika Gold 2020
The grapes for this Temjanika come from the village of Begnishte in the Tikves Wine District, also known as the place where excellent Stanushina & Vranec grapes are grown. This Temjanika features white blossoms, linden, and very subtle elderflower aromas. Young yellow citrus fruits on the palate and medium stony finish.
Price 250 MKD
Eros Zilavka 2020
I have written about Eros winery in my January wine list and have mentioned the name of the young enologist Sashko Andov who has dedicated himself to putting in focus local & regional varieties, creating crisp & fresh wines. His Zilavka is no different- it’s refreshing, with fairly juicy citrus aromas and just a lick of salinity, firm acidity, and decent length.
Price 150 MKD.
Please note that the prices are cellar ones & might vary if you’re buying from a local wine shop.
