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History of Winemaking Centrally located in South-Eastern Europe, the Republic of Macedonia - ‘the Pearl of the Balkans' - is a warm mountainous country. The climate here is influenced by the Mediterranean and local mountains to the North¬-West, a natural barrier diminishing the influence of the cold air from the north. Macedonia's geographical position, fertile soil and climatic conditions are extremely favourable for grape cultivation and the formation of intense flavours in the specific grape varieties. Macedonia has 35,000 ha of vineyards that produce considerable quantities of wine, the vast majority of which is consumed locally. The most important ground transportation corridor in the southern Balkan Peninsula passes through Macedonia, providing access to worldwide markets and an excellent opportunity for developing business. Macedonia is just a couple of hours away from two very important seaports: Thessaloniki in Greece, providing access to the Mediterranean, and Burgas (Bulgaria), which provides access to the Asian countries. Macedonia has some modern vineyards planted with many of the famous French Vinifera varieties, as well as with indigenous ones such as Vranec, the less well-known red Kratosija (often blended with Vranec), and the white Zilavka. Viticulture in Macedonia is as rich and varied in potential as any country can be but that potential is only just beginning to be realised, even though the country has a long and distinguished history of winemaking. The rich Macedonian wine tradition began already at the time of Philip II and Alexander the Great of the Macedonian royal family who appreciated good wine. During the Roman Empire this tradition continued, and Macedonia - part of the Eastern Roman Empire until the seventh century - was one of the most important regions for grape cultivation in the Empire. Grape growing continued after the arrival of the Slavs and was freely developed until the fourteenth century. During the period of the Ottoman Empire (1350-1918), winemaking was kept alive in Macedonia's abundant monasteries. Phylloxera came relatively late to Macedonia, affecting the vineyards between 1890 and 1920. As in other countries, many vineyards were grubbed up and remained permanently out of production. Some were replanted with local grape varieties but others were converted to French, German, and Austrian varieties that were already well-known and established in other parts of Eastern Europe. Macedonian viticulture reached its peak during the 1980s, when Macedonia accounted for two-thirds of all wine production in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In 1991, the newly independent Republic of Macedonia faced the challenges of establishing itself in the world of politics, diplomacy and international trade. It also faced the challenge of establishing itself as a modern winemaking country with a long tradition. Exports fell sharply in the late 1980s and early 1990s. With one third of its wine exports going to other Eastern Bloc countries, Macedonia's markets virtually disappeared as these post-socialist states struggled with free market economics. However, two-thirds of Macedonia's wine exports had always been to Western countries, notably Germany and the UK. Furthermore, many new, small wineries emerged and doubled the number of wineries in the country. This was followed by massive investment to improve the winemaking equipment and technology in older (and now privatised) wineries. During the last couple of years enormous improvements in quality have been achieved. Wineries have developed their own marketing plans, design of modern bottles, and restricted the types of grapes grown to the most marketable varieties in the world. Stricter quality control has been applied, and cooperation with foreign wineries begun. The great improvements in the Macedonian wine industry can also be seen in the number of bottles shipped to other countries, such as to Germany, Holland, Japan, the UK, and the US. Currently Macedonia is the fourth largest exporter of wine to Germany. Wines such as Vranec, Zilavka, Stanushina, and Temjanika are now among the most requested Macedonian wines in these Western markets. This is because they are new and different, with a specific character and quality that is uniquely Macedonian. If improvements continue and the much-needed investment and expertise are put in place, the following couple of years could answer the question posed of the country. Is Macedonia, with its rich tradition as one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world, a nation that can indeed produce top quality wines? The answer surely is ‘YES'. In the heart of the Balkans
A sunny, pristine and mountainous country in the heart of the Balkans, the Republic of Macedonia is a centuries-old producer of the region’s finest wines.
Macedonia is the birthplace of the Cyrillic Alphabet, created by Saints Cyril and Methody (863 A.D.), and the cradle of Slavonic literacy and literature. Macedonians are renowned for their hospitality and great pride in their country of rich culture and history, exquisite traditional food and excellent wine. The State symbol is a golden sun symbolizing the freedom of the country and its people. Winemakers' Wisdom
The country's oenological history dates back to ancient times well before the ancient Romans who prized the wines produced by its vineyards.
In the days of former Yugoslavia, Macedonia accounted for two thirds of the total wine production in the country. Great Grapes
We believe that great wines can only be made from great grapes. Republic of Macedonia’s varied terrain offers a choice of vineyard locations. The fruit in our reds comes from lower altitude vineyards with rich, heavy, clay–filled soils. In other vineyards, the cooler environment protects the freshness and harmony in the white grape varieties, planted on lighter soils and at higher altitudes. Owing to the extremely favourable climate conditions, our eco-friendly grapes are sprayed only up to a maximum of 4 times a year.
Macedonia’s vintners bring together the natural advantages of the region with the best of modern winemaking technology to produce the pre–eminent indigenous variety Vranec (VRAN–ets) and other local and international varieties. Our Wines
Their flavour and complexity are unique and recognisably Macedonian. The intense aromas are the result of the combined influence of the Mediterranean and continental climates, with warm summer days and cooler nights. The lengthy ripening process concentrates the sugar and acids in the grapes, ensuring rich colours and complex aromas in our wines. Our Industry’s Commitment
The Republic of Macedonia acquired its independence in 1991. In the years that followed, the wine industry has witnessed the emergence of successful privately owned wineries dedicated to the production of wines of excellent quality, flavour and consistency. In recent years, the improvement in quality has been enormous. Wineries have introduced stricter quality control, restricted the types of grapes grown to the best quality indigenous and international varieties, and built modern and efficient cellars. Today, Macedonian wines rank among the best value and most drinkable wines available anywhere. Wine styles Macedonia produces all styles of wine - dry and sweet, still and sparkling, red, white and rosé. Well-known international varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as indigenous grapes like Vranec, are used to produce wines that are always uniquely Macedonian. When experts are asked to describe the wine style nurtured by Macedonian winemakers from their specific terroir, the most frequent answer received is ‘fruit-forward style'. Macedonian wines are inviting, pleasant and delicate, with a flavour that lingers on the palate. They are a living proof of our winemakers' progress towards balance and a sense of moderation. Macedonian wines abound in concentrated fruit and aroma. The wonderful climate of warm weather and sunny days, and the excellent harvest conditions, allow us year after year to have ripe and healthy grapes to make our wines from. Wine regions Based on environmental conditions and grape plantings, Macedonia is divided into three grape growing regions: 1. Povardarie (Central Region)
2. Pchinya - Osogovo (Eastern Region)
3. Pelagonia - Polog (Western Region) Each has further established wine districts with specific localities. There are 16 wine districts intotal.
The largest and most famous grape growing region is the Povardarie (Vardar Valley) region, where 85% of Macedonian wine is produced. Povardarie Central Grape Growing Region Latitude: 41.14′ - 42.14′ N Altitude: 50 - 500/600 m Topography: Vineyards lie along the River Vardar valley and between high mountain ranges that dominate to the east and west. Climate: Mediterranean to continental with mild winters and hot summers. Temperature: On average 124 days during the summer have temperatures above 25 ºC. Maximum temperatures occur in July and August and are above 40ºC. Rainfall: Average rainfall per year is 460 l/m². Between 260 and 310 mm during vegetation period. Rainfall is irregularly spread throughout the year, most falling in late autumn, winter and early spring. Soil: Vines are cultivated on different types of soil, mainly on diluvial soil (level surface terrains), chernozem, rendzina, vertisol (undulating terrains), and only rarely on brown and cinnamonic soil (hilly terrains). Capacity: 80% of vines are grown and 85% of the wine is produced in this region. Pchinya - Osogovo Eastern Grape Growing Region Latitude: 41.14′ - 42.14′ N Altitude: The vineyards are mainly on mountain slopes 440 m (Tetovo) to 850 m (Resen) Topography: The vineyards in this region are located on hilly and on undulating terrains, with moderately gentle slopes of varying aspects. Climate: The climate is moderate continental with strong gusts of northern winds. It is characterized by a cool and colder climate in comparison to the central and eastern regions. Temperature: On average 110 days during the summer have temperatures above 25 ºC. Maximum temperatures occur in July and August and are above 40ºC. Rainfall: Average rainfall per year is 550 l/m². Between 300 and 400 mm during vegetation period. Drought periods are rare during the period of vegetation. Soil: The grapevine plantations are mostly on diluvial, cinnamonic and brown soil on limestone. Capacity: 4% of the total wine production. This region is in the north-west of Macedonia, stretching from the Pchinya River in the west to the Osogovo Mountains in the east. The major varieties of grapevine grown in this region are those of the early and moderately late ripening types. Traditional red grape varieties predominate, including the red Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay Noir, Gamay Tenturier, Pinot Noir, and Vranec, and the white Muscat Ottonel, Riesling, Sipon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zilavka. Pelagonia - Polog Western Grape Growing Region Latitude: 41.14′ - 42.14′ N Altitude: 600 m to 680 m Topography: undulating to hilly land configuration with moderately gentle slopes with a southern aspect. Climate: The prevailing climate is a high mountain climate, characterised by wet and cold winters and dry and hot summers. Temperature: On average 87 days during the summer have temperatures above 25 ºC. Maximum temperatures occur in July and August and are above 40ºC. Rainfall: 570 mm to 700 mm annually. Soil: The prevailing type is the brown soil, and in some cases vertisol, chernozem and cinnamonic soils. Capacity: 11% of the total wine production. These conditions enable the successful growing of varying types of grapevine, primarily those of the second ripening stage. The predominant red varieties of grapes found in this region include, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Prokupec and Vranec. Riesling, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Zhilavka, Smederevka and others are among the white varieties. Industry Info The vineyard area in the Republic of Macedonia occupied approximately 22,400ha in 2005 (wine grapes only). Wine production in 2005 was approximately 980,000 hl from 150,000 tons of harvested grapes, an increase of 20% on the 817,126 hl produced in 2004. The annual average wine production in the previous five years was 875,373 hl, of which Povardarie Region produced the majority (85%). Polog-Pelagonia Region produced 11% and Pcinja-Osogovo Region only 4%. 4,000 small vine growers with an average holding of 2.3ha dominate the industry. They typically sell grapes to medium and small size wineries that produce and market wines. Several national wine associations and generic promotional bodies complete the Macedonian wine industry. Ownership Wineries process about 65% of the total wine grapes, while about 35% are processed directly by farmers for their own consumption of wine and grape brandy-rakija. All wineries in Macedonia that used to be part of the agrokombinats have now been privatised. The new ownership is investing in equipment upgrade, reconstruction of wineries and human resource development as the Macedonian wine industry makes the switch from bulk to bottled wine production. These investments are ultimately about improving the quality of the wines. Customer friendly industry Macedonian wine producers are adopting a contemporary label and packaging outlook. The wineries have started to promote and market their wines in a more consolidated way by selling their wines under the Macedonian brand rather than individually.As wine consumption trends change globally, Macedonia is trying to keep pace with current preferred wine tastes by adjusting its vine varieties accordingly. Increasing Wine Exports In the last 10 years, there has been a positive trend in favour of the production and export of quality bottled wine, which increased from 7% of total wine exports in 1998 to over 30% in 2004 (source: Agricultural Report 2004). Exports Insight The domestic market in 2004 was 95,875hl, while the export market hit 549,398 hl (State Statistical Office). The top three export markets in 2004 were Germany, Serbia and Montenegro, and Croatia. The export strategy will continue targeting neighbouring and EU markets, with special emphasis on the UK. EU Orientation In 2004 the Republic of Macedonia enacted a new Law on Wine to improve technological practices and decrease trade barriers, aiming to implement a gradual and timely approximation of EU legislation. The establishment of the Vineyard Monitoring and Management System that began in 2004 will soon enable grape to bottle traceability of the winemaking process, and further complement the production of quality wine. Macedonian grape growers have recently initiated a long-term strategy on vineyard structure to better meet EU standards and export quotas.
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