Wines of Macedonia at the 21 Club

My knowledge of Macedonian wine before this week was extremely limited.  I remember having a glass during an event last year that was surprisingly solid but after this showcase  I can truly say this is an exciting new region.


Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer guided us through lunch with twelve wines from four different wineries paired with four courses from the 21 Club.



To begin an Antipasto with Marinated Feta, Smoked Sujuk, Roasted Pepper & Olives with three whites including one of my favorites of the afternoon Zilavaka; a dry, nutty white with hints of peach and honey that would be perfect for just about any occasion. 



The next white wines were two very different Chardonnays one aged in stainless steel and the other fermented in French oak barriques; both exquisite with the Crab Cake apple, celery and fennel macedoine.



Then it was onto the the Vranec (pronounced "Vra" "netz") which translates to a strong, dark powerful horse.  These reds were every bit as big and bold as those Italians I love so much...each aged in a different barrel Macedonia, American and Slavonian.


I honestly enjoyed all three but the silky chocolate, plum flavors of the Kamnik Winery's Grand Reserve 2012 was perfect with the Spicy Lamb Bolognese with fettuccine rigate, lamb sausage, picholine olive, roasted tomato and manchego.


The tasting finished with three Vranec blends; one being the Dalvina Winery Synthesis Cuvee Barrique 2009 that was so deliciously affordable I recommend buying a case if possible.  These were paired with a Grass Fed Flat Iron Steak with black truffle sauce.

These wines are just starting to appear on wine lists and liquor stores around the city. Here's a few I mentioned worth taking a look at :

  • Stobi Winery Zilavka 2014
  • Dalvina Winery Synthesis Cuvee Barrique 2009
  • Kamnik Winery Terrior Vranec Grand Reserva 2012
  • Popov Winery Grand Cuvee 2009

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