Region: Tikveš, North Macedonia

Varietal: 100% Vranec

Tasting Notes: Vranec (pronounced 'vrah-nahtz') is a thick-skinned grape with high tannins and medium-high acidity. The word itself translates as ‘Black Stallion’ owing to its forceful character and rich coloring. Here, Jordanov tames the wild beast, with low yields and 35-year old vines rounding out all the edges. Deep dark red, with notes of dusty earth and cherry pie and a core of dark brambly fruit.

Producer: Minco Jordanov, a passionate winemaker from North Macedonia, aims to elevate his home country’s wine industry to international prominence. Despite the region's wine industry being nationalized during Soviet control, Jordanov has kept quality high while maintaining accessible pricing. His vineyards, over 40 years old, are located in Tikveš, one of Europe’s driest regions. With a focus on indigenous grapes like Vranec, Jordanov’s wines reflect his commitment to showcasing the potential of North Macedonia’s unique terroir.

Vineyard & Winemaking: Jordanov’s vineyards in Tikveš are dry-farmed and benefit from a mix of continental and Mediterranean climates, resulting in long, hot summers and less than 12 inches of rainfall annually. The clay-rich "rendzina" soils provide the wines with a strong acidic backbone, ensuring freshness. His hallmark varietal, Vranec, is a native Balkan grape known for its robust character, high tannins, and vibrant acidity. Grown in Tikveš, the Vranec wines have a fuller body and richer phenolic content, striking a balance between approachability and structure.