2022 Vranec Luda Mara, Tikveš

The Macedonian Midnight Red

This is Vranec with darkness, warmth and serious Balkan soul. Deep purple in the glass, it opens with spicy blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate, followed by dry herbs, pepper, earthy spice and a touch of oak. It is bold and generous, but there is freshness and savoury lift beneath all that fruit.

The palate is full-bodied, structured and richly fruited, with firm tannins carrying black fruit, spice, herbs and a long, warming finish. This is not a shy red, but it has balance and character, the kind of bottle that brings depth, conversation and a little Macedonian fire to the table.

For when you want a powerful red with discovery, darkness and proper dinner-table presence.
Pairs with grilled lamb, beef stew, venison, charred aubergine, spiced meatballs, mushroom ragù, aged cheeses, or anything smoky from the barbecue.
If this wine were… a night, it would be midnight in the Vardar Valley, warm air, dark fruit, distant music and firelight catching the glass.

Tikveš is one of North Macedonia’s defining wineries, founded in 1885 in a region with centuries of winemaking tradition. Based in the Tikveš wine region, where continental and Mediterranean influences meet, the estate works with native varieties such as Vranec, Kratoshija and Smederevka, combining modern winemaking with a strong sense of Macedonian identity.