When searching for new wines to add to your collection, you’ve probably heard the word “terroir” a lot. More specifically, you may have seen how a person takes a sip, splashes it around in their mouth, and finally says “This wine boasts an exquisite terroir”. For true wine connoisseurs, this probably needs no introduction. However, for those of you who are just stepping into the incredible world of this beverage, allow us to provide some clarity and tell you all you need to know about the unparalleled Macedonian terroir.
To put it shortly, terroir is a French term meaning “sense of place”. This refers to the unique characteristics of a region and how it affects the flavor of various agricultural products, in our case - wine. In essence, the idea of terroir is based on the concept that wines come from certain regions and boast special characteristics that can’t be replicated elsewhere. While climate plays the biggest role when it comes to terroir, soil composition, topography, and microbial terroir also majorly contribute to it.
As you can imagine, Macedonian terroir is akin to that seen in Bordeaux in France or Italy’s Tuscany. This is why Tikves wine boasts such an impeccable flavor! For you to fully understand the characteristics of what makes our blend special, we’ll be taking you through the Tikves wine sub-region, including the most unique micro-locations.
Tikves Terroir
As previously mentioned, the Tikves wine region is situated on the same longitude as Napa Valley in the US, Bordeaux in France, and Tuscany in Italy. It is one of the biggest Macedonian regions, characterized by a mix of Continental and Mediterranean climates. In the southern parts of Tikves, the summers are usually long and hot, while the north boasts mild and wet winters. Quite diverse isn’t it? To make things even more surprising, sometimes the temperature in the Tikves region may reach over 40˚C! In terms of the topography, this region is surrounded by mountains on three sides that protect the grapes from the northern winds. Finally, Macedonian grapes such as Vranec, Chardonnay, and Temjanika have adapted nicely to Rendzina, Vertisol, Terra Rosa, and diluvial and alluvial soils, thus contributing to the amazing taste of Tikves wine.
Tikves Microlocations
Barovo
Barovo is a unique micro-location that’s part of the Tikves region, characterized by Mediterranean and mountainous climates, thus bringing elegant and strong wines. Specifically, the Barovo terroir stretches over a 3 ha area, composed of smaller land parcels with different soils and micro-climate features. This has allowed varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Temjanika, Vranec, and Temjanika to thrive.
The wines from this micro-location feature a fresh and lively taste. This is due to the major temperature differences that occur daily, making the grapes retain a higher level of acidity, ultimately making them mature faster. Still, because of these differences, achieving this kind of special balance can be rather challenging for Macedonian wine producers.
When it comes to the topography, Barovo is situated at a high altitude, which is why this region is commonly referred to as the Balkans’ highest fruit garden. As you can imagine, this poses quite an advantage for Tikves wines. Because our grapes are able to withstand harsh weather conditions regularly, they end up being of the highest quality. That is why we carefully select them based on their sugar content, tannins, extracts, aromas, and so forth. Given the structure, Barovo wines can be aged for years, both in oak barrels or bottles.
Lastly, this Tikves micro-region has no irrigation system! On the contrary, we rely on the annual showers that occur during the cooler months, and since the soil can retain moisture nicely, the vineyard roots are able to stay healthy throughout the entire year. In turn, this contributes to wines of exceptional taste and quality, all of which can be delivered to your doorstep. That is why we suggest checking out the impeccable Barovo wines and seeing why this micro-location is the most treasured part of Macedonian terroir.
Bela Voda
The wines of Bela Voda carry the name of the vineyards where their grapes are grown, featuring a geographical location that features special conditions. In this micro-location, our winemakers mainly take care of Chardonnay and Grenache Blanc, known for their neutral aromas and unique terroir expression. Because of this, we have the space to determine the style of Bela Voda wines, adding the vineyard's special mark. The white wines from this region carry fruity aromas of tropical fruits, complemented by hints of vanilla and coconut. After you take a sim, you’ll immediately notice the fresh flavor which is the very essence of the Bela Voda terroir. These aspects paired with our dedication to excellence create this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Alternatively, the Bela Voda red wines mainly come from Vranec and Plavec grape varieties which emphasize the importance of traditional values and family ties. They carry a distinct Southern charm, reflecting both power and delicacy. The opulent aromas of berries with hints of spices make up an incredibly juicy, fresh, and fruity flavor with polished tannins. This harmony provides a unique balance, bringing out a long and complex taste you’re bound to never forget.
With that, you can see why the Tikves wine region is a living museum of winemaking and a testament to Maceodnia’s terroir. If you want to broaden your wine horizons even further, our Tikves wines provide an opportunity for you to discover the very essence of this place, and with our delivery service, this has never been easier!
Ultimately, Tikves wines are not just about taste but they rather extend an invitation to explore Macedonia’s viticulture, history, and so much more. Browse through our incredible selection, find the perfect bottle for you, and enjoy every sip.
To learn more about the world of Tikves wines, read the rest of our blogs.