The Balkans is a hidden gem in the world of winemaking, offering a blend of tradition and innovation across countries like Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia. This blog dives into the unique wine cultures of these nations, their grape varieties, and developments that signify a promising future for Balkan wines.

Albania: Blending Tradition with Modernity

Albania, often referred to as the Balkans' rough yet stunning diamond, is carving out its space in the wine industry. With approximately 8,000 hectares of vineyards, Albania produces almost 3 million liters of wine annually, of which 65% is bottled. Currently, about 20% of this wine finds its way to international markets, a number that is expected to grow as more wineries emerge and shift their focus from traditional raki to wine production.

The influence of Italian winemaking expertise has played a significant role in modernizing Albania's wine scene. Many Albanian winemakers have trained in Italy, and Italian consultants now guide some of the country's vineyards and cellars. Despite modernization, Albanian wineries continue to uphold their traditions. This is evident in the production of unique wines from ancient Pulës and Ceruja vines, which climb oak and mulberry trees for a distinctive winemaking process.

North Macedonia: Export-Driven Excellence

North Macedonia stands out in the Balkans for its impressive wine export figures, with nearly 85% of its annual production sent abroad, reaching markets in the UK, USA, and various European countries. The central Povardarie region, the heart of North Macedonia's wine production, has transitioned from being a bulk producer to a source of high-quality wines. Here, oak-aged Vranec wines, both varietal and blended with Kratošija or Cabernet Sauvignon, are celebrated for their robust flavors.

The country is also proactively addressing climate change. The recent dry summers with soaring temperatures have led to reduced harvests, prompting investments in irrigation systems and cooler, higher-elevation vineyards. This shift has brought attention to the hilly western Pelagonia-Polog region around Lake Ohrid, where old vineyards rise above 700 meters, contributing to the diversity and quality of the wine produced.

Serbia: A Hub of Creativity and Diversity

Serbia's wine industry is as dynamic as the country itself, characterized by creativity and diversity. While the red Prokupac grape garners much attention for its elegant, medium-bodied profile, it represents only a fraction of Serbia's nearly 22,000 hectares of vineyards, primarily located in the Župa district of Tri Morave. Serbia produces between 25 to 30 million liters of wine annually, with white wines making up nearly 60% of this total. The Grašac grape is particularly prevalent, showcasing a range of styles from youthful, steel-aged wines to oaked, age-worthy versions.

The mountainous Srem region in northern Serbia is a testament to the country's versatility, offering everything from traditional wines to experimental, minimal-intervention wines and pét-nats. The increasing interest in organic and natural winemaking, as well as skin-contact wines, highlights the innovative spirit of Serbian winemakers.

The Balkan region is steadily gaining recognition for its unique winemaking traditions and innovative approaches. Whether it's Albania's captivating blend of old and new, North Macedonia's export-driven quality, or Serbia's creative diversity, the Balkans offer a rich tapestry of wine experiences. For those interested in discovering and storing wines with assured provenance, visit Quincy and start a journey into the fascinating world of Balkan wines.

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A Glimpse into the Emerging Balkan Winemaking Sector

In the vibrant domain of Argentinian wine, Achaval Ferrer’s Quimera stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous oenology. Under the guidance of the esteemed winemaker Gustavo Rearte, Quimera reflects an ongoing quest for vinous excellence.

Achaval Ferrer's Quimera first graced the world in 2000, boasting a remarkable Bordeaux blend that quickly gained international acclaim. Known for its profound Mendoza Malbecs sourced from ungrafted vines on ancient estates, Achaval Ferrer crafted Quimera as a tribute to the Greek mythological chimera, symbolizing both the amalgamation of diverse elements and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

The creation of Quimera is a methodical three-stage process. It begins with the careful selection of the finest vineyards and plots. Following this, there is the fermentation of each varietal and parcel, and finally, the wine matures in French oak barrels sourced from Allier, Tronçais, and Vosges forests.

Achaval Ferrer's winemaker, Gustavo Rearte, highlights the intricate balance achieved in Quimera. "Once alcoholic fermentation is complete, a journey of discovery and creation begins," he explains. Quimera's 2021 vintage utilized grapes from 19 different parcels across Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Each variety underwent separate fermentation in concrete, oak, or stainless steel vessels.

French oak barrels, both new and used, are pivotal to aging Quimera. Rearte notes, “For over a decade, 160-litre barrels have refined the wine’s aromatic complexity.” The result is an elegant, substantial red blend from one of Mendoza’s best vintages in recent times.

Harmonizing Varieties with Quimera Blanco

The prestigious red Quimera was joined by Quimera Blanco from the 2022 vintage. This white wine, hailing from high-altitude vineyards in Tupungato, Uco Valley, blends Chardonnay and Viognier, which are fermented at low temperatures in French barrels, with a lively Semillon fermented in stainless steel. The blend matures in used barrels to create a fresh, fragrant, and persistent wine.

Rearte emphasizes, “We believe that perfection is achieved through a constant search for excellence.” Using the finest elements, Achaval Ferrer crafts wines that elevate the senses and linger on the palate.

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Achaval Ferrer's Quimera: The Unending Journey to Perfection

Exploring the world of fine wines is a journey through history, craftsmanship, and exquisite flavors. One exceptional experience is a vertical tasting of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, a distinguished Bordeaux estate. This blog delves into a mini-vertical tasting featuring the 1966, 1979, and 1980 vintages of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou and its neighboring estates.

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, an illustrious estate in the Bordeaux region, is renowned for producing some of the finest wines. Established in 1720, it owes its reputation to its unique terroir and meticulous winemaking processes. The estate's gravelly soil, coupled with the expertise of generations of winemakers, results in wines that are both complex and elegant.

The 1966 vintage of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a testament to longevity and quality. This bottle, with its deep garnet hue, offers a bouquet of dried fruits, tobacco, and notes of leather and spice. On the palate, it delivers a perfect balance of acidity and tannins, with flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and earthiness. This vintage showcases the aging potential and the sophisticated character of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou wines.

Both the 1979 and 1980 vintages are often overlooked but provide a remarkable tasting experience. The 1979 vintage displays a ruby-red color and aromas of red berries, pencil shavings, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is smooth, with harmonious flavors of cherry, plum, and subtle oak.

The 1980 vintage, with its slightly lighter hue, surprises with its vibrant nose of black cherry, violets, and a touch of mint. On tasting, it reveals an elegant structure with refined tannins and a lingering finish of berry compote and earthy undertones.

Vertical tastings, such as this one featuring Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, allow enthusiasts to appreciate the nuances of different vintages from the same estate. They provide insight into how factors like climate conditions and winemaking techniques influence the character and development of a wine over time.

Investing in fine wines like the vintages of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is not just about acquiring a piece of history; it's also about potential financial returns. Bordeaux wines, in particular, have a track record of appreciating in value. With proper storage, these wines can mature gracefully, increasing their desirability and market value.

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The Enduring Appeal of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, with its rich history and exceptional wines, continues to captivate wine enthusiasts around the world. Each vintage tells a story of the land, the climate, and the craftsmanship that goes into making these extraordinary wines. Whether enjoyed now or treasured for future savoring, these wines reflect the timeless allure of Bordeaux's finest.

Discover the Timeless Elegance of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou: A Bordeaux Mini-Vertical Tasting

The 2018 vintage for Pessac-Léognan and Graves certainly made waves among wine connoisseurs and industry experts. This exceptional year, despite its unpredictable weather conditions, has produced some highly recommended wines. Here is an in-depth look at the results of a meticulous panel tasting, providing valuable insights for wine enthusiasts and potential investors.

The 2018 weather in Bordeaux was nothing short of dramatic. While London basked in an early and prolonged summer, Bordeaux experienced one of the wettest springs on record. March saw unprecedented rainfall, raising concerns about potential rot due to high humidity levels before the vines even began to bud. However, by mid-July, Bordeaux was swept by a significant heatwave that persisted, marking one of the hottest summers in fifty years. This climatic volatility ultimately impacted the grapes, lending unique characteristics to the vintage.

Three seasoned experts formed the tasting panel: Gareth Birchley, Arthur Coggill, and Melody Wong.

Gareth Birchley, the buying director at a prominent London-based wine merchant, has an extensive background in fine wine sales and senior buying roles.

Arthur Coggill, head of business development at another renowned London wine merchant, boasts years of experience in fine wine sales and fund management.

Melody Wong, director of wine at an elite London hotel, has a rich history of working in Michelin-starred establishments and was a nominee for the Best Sommelier category in a notable food and drink awards.

Their combined expertise ensured a rigorous and insightful evaluation of the wines.

Each of the 66 Pessac-Léognan and Graves red wines from the 2018 vintage was tasted blind to maintain impartiality.

: 31 wines achieved the "Highly Recommended" status, indicating exceptional quality and notable characteristics.

: 32 wines were deemed "Recommended," signifying a robust and pleasing profile.

: 3 wines received "Commended" status, showing promise and enjoyable attributes.

Fair/Poor: There were no wines in these categories, reflecting the overall high standards of the 2018 vintage.

The 2018 vintage from Pessac-Léognan and Graves is characterized by a few distinctive trends:

: The unusual weather patterns contributed to a complexity and depth of flavor that stood out during the tasting.

: The absence of wines in the fair and poor categories highlights the overall consistency in the quality of the wines.

: Many of the highly recommended wines exhibit robust structure and may benefit from extended cellaring, promising increased value over time.

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Exploring the 2018 Pessac-Léognan and Graves Red Wines

In early 2023, Bordeaux’s en primeur campaign saw a decline, with inadequate discounts on the 2022 vintages. This offered a unique opportunity to explore mature wines at similar price points. This occasion was marked by a tasting event commemorating 100 years of Vieux Château Certan (VCC), a renowned Pomerol estate. This tasting, organized by the descendants of the Thienpont family, who acquired the estate in 1924, showcased wines ranging from 1923 to 2020.

The Thienpont family, Belgian wine merchants since 1842, have a rich history of wine distribution. Their acquisition of Vieux Château Certan in 1924 added another layer of prestige to their portfolio. The family has storied connections, including acquiring Château Troplong Mondot in 1921 and notable contributions to wine culture during tumultuous times, such as World War II.

Vieux Château Certan’s Unique Characteristics

Vieux Château Certan distinguishes itself with its 14 hectares of vines and unique varietal composition. Unlike typical Pomerols that predominantly feature Merlot, VCC includes a significant proportion of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. This distinctive blend offers a robust structure favored by connoisseurs. Historical shifts have seen VCC rival Petrus, with the latter even producing Le Pin, a rare Merlot from a nearby plot, which commands thousands per bottle.

The Thienpont family's influence extends beyond VCC. They have established various estates, including L’If in St-Émilion and L’Hêtre in Castillon, managed by the current Thienpont generation. Château Puygueraud in Francs also remains under their extensive portfolio. Their presence in the right bank signals continuous growth and commitment to high-quality wine production.

The centenary tasting event brought together key figures in the wine industry, including wine writers and the Thienpont family. The tasting, comprising 57 vintages, showcased the resilience and elegance of VCC over the decades. Most bottles, stored meticulously in the family’s Etikhove cellars, were in excellent condition. Vintages from 1986, 1952, 1959, and others, albeit with challenges, were testament to the estate’s enduring quality even in less reputed years.

VCC’s longevity is attributed to its old vines, some planted as early as 1932. These deep-rooted vines have weathered climate challenges, ensuring a consistent quality. Alexandre Thienpont, VCC’s winemaker from 1986 to 2011, chose subtlety over ripeness trends, further enhancing the wine’s aging potential. His meticulous approach has granted VCC a distinguished place in the pantheon of fine wines.

The future of VCC looks promising with the involvement of the younger Thienpont generation. Jacques Thienpont’s son, Georges, already honing his skills in viticulture, is set to lead the next phase of Le Pin while maintaining the family’s storied legacy. This familial dedication assures the continuation and evolution of their exceptional wine production.

Vieux Château Certan’s century-long journey exemplifies excellence and tradition in winemaking. Each vintage reveals a narrative of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. To explore the finest vintages and secure authentic bottles, consider joining Quincy at 

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