2022 Smederevka, Tikveš

The Balkan Citrus Queen

This is Macedonian white wine with brightness, charm and a wonderfully thirst-quenching edge. Made from the indigenous Smederevka grape, it opens with lemon, grapefruit, green apple and pear, followed by subtle floral notes and a clean herbal lift. It is light, crisp and immediately refreshing, the sort of white that feels made for sunshine, salt and long, easy tables.

The palate is zesty, fresh and lively, with citrus peel, apple, pear and a gentle stone-fruit note carried by bright acidity. There is a slight bitter-sour twist on the finish that gives it real personality, keeping the wine dry, clean and moreish. Chill it well and let it do what Smederevka does best: refresh first, charm second, disappear quickly third.

For when you want something crisp, unusual and properly easy to pour.
Pairs with grilled fish, chicken salads, prawns, feta, mezze, lemony roast vegetables, whitebait, sushi, or a salty bowl of crisps before dinner.
If this wine were… a crown, it would be made of citrus peel, green apple skin and warm Balkan sunlight.

Tikveš is one of North Macedonia’s defining wineries, with organised production dating back to 1885 and deep roots in the Tikveš wine region. The estate works with native grapes such as Smederevka, Vranec and Kratoshija, combining long Macedonian tradition with modern winemaking and a clear ambition to bring the country’s wines to a wider audience.