North Macedonia

MACEDONIAN WINE REGIONS

The Central Wine Region, (also known as the Vardar River Valley or Povardarie) extends along the Vardar river which flows from north to south, passing through many different terroirs. This wine region occupies nearly 45% of Macedonia’s territory and includes seven wine districts which vary gradually from north to south. Conventional grape growing is dominant, but the dry climate and well-drained soils naturally limit use of agrochemicals, simply because they are not a necessity. Drip irrigation is common in the wine districts with a more arid environment to reduce vine stress and allow vines to continue to grow normally.

The vast majority of grape growers and wineries are concentrated in this amazing valley. The size of each vineyard varies, ranging from small individual grape growers to larger blocks of several hundred hectares managed by the biggest wineries. Traditional wine production can still
be found among small wine producers, but in general the Valley represents modern wine production using cutting-edge technology that allows producers to showcase this great wine region and produce wines with real regional character.

North Macedonia is divided into three main wine regions

SKOPJE WINE DISTRICT

Overview

Grape growing has flourished here since Roman times. Wine has been produced in this region for many centuries, confirmed by multiple artefacts found in the Roman city of Skupi from 3th century BC and at Skopje Fortress dating from 4th century AD. Skopje is the bustling capital of North Macedonia and Skopje’s wine district is the top of the barrel. Grapes grow in abundance on the outskirts of the city, where several wineries harvest
their crops; and within the city, bustling wineries serve wine-loving tourists in some of the city’s most historic districts.

Climate

The Skopje basin has a sub-continental climate and the impact of the Mediterranean is less than for other wine districts in the Vardar River Valley. This results in cold winters and hot, arid summers.

Soil

Vineyards in the Skopje wine district are mainly located on the foothills of mountains that
shape the basin. These foothills offer good drainage and varied soils derived from various
bedrocks including carbonate, limestone, schist, and in some locations the much prized
terrarossa. Mixed clay and sand soils offer good texture for drainage while clay retains moisture for the dry season, and a longer ripening season helps increase aromatic intensity and tannin structure. Vineyards close to the Vardar river tend to have alluvial soil with more gravel and sand that helps to emphasize fruitiness in wines.

Grape Varieties

White

Red

VELES WINE DISTRICT

Overview

Wines have been produced in this wine district for many centuries, confirmed by artefacts found in the ancient city of Stobi. This is a stunning archaeological site situated between the Veles and Tikveš wine districts, near today’s city of Veles, which was a Paeonian, Macedonian
and Roman city. A few statues of Bacchus (the Roman god of wine) have been found at this site, a strong indication that wine has been produced in this area for millennia.

Climate

This wine district has a sub-continental climate. The vine-growing district extends south of the Skopje wine district and has a slightly higher temperature because of an increased Mediterranean influence compared to the more northern district.

This wine district is also directly influenced by the Vardar river, which brings refreshing breezes from the north along the river valley and this also increases the diurnal temperature range. The artificial Veles lake also has an impact on mitigating the continental climate and contributes to the unique meso-climate here.

Soil

The vineyards of the Veles wine district lie along the Vardar River, mostly on the rolling hills of the left bank, though some lie on the foothills of the high mountains that define the valley. Soil types are quite fragmented and particularly vary in chemical content, rather than in texture. High calcium levels define some soils, and in some areas Terrarossa can be found as well as small pockets of nutrient-rich black soils. This gives scope to better producers to vinify wines as separate parcels from different blocks. The mix of clay, sand and limestone bedrocks provides sufficient drainage as well as water retention during dry periods.

Grape Varieties

White

Red

TIKVEš WINE DISTRICT

Overview

The Tikveš wine district is the heart of Macedonian wine. Based on archaeological discoveries, recorded viticulture and wine production began in the 4 th century AD but it is believed that wine has a much longer history here as ancient Macedonia was on a major route for a huge migration from beyond the Caucasus. Documents written about Alexander the Great reveal that after battles soldiers were rewarded with wine. This was produced from grapes from vineyards behind the mountains of Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, where the Tikveš wine region is located.A large number of terracotta statues honouring gods, originating from 1st century BC, have been found at the Stobi archaeological site which is located in this region. Viticulture and winemaking as significant industries continued to develop through the Middle Ages, as is confirmed by several important miniatures dating from the early 10th century found in the village of Vatasha which show work in vineyards and grape harvesting. These miniatures
are now kept in the Vatican Library. Today, Tikveš is the most well-known wine region in North Macedonia. It is located in the very heart of the country and lies at similar latitudes to Bordeaux in France, Tuscany in Italy and the Napa Valley in California.

Climate

The Tikveš basin is surrounded by mountains on three sides and lies in the part of the Vardar River Valley where the Mediterranean climate arrives from the south and meets the continental climate from the north. These intermingle in the unique meso-climate of the basin that ranges from mountain climate in the foothills, through moderately continental on the rolling hills, to Mediterranean on the valley floor.

Soil

The Tikveš wine district covers a wide area with differing soil types, alluvial at the base of the
foothills and diluvial in the river valleys. Chemical content and texture are varied, and together with climate, this has an impact on the range of grape varieties that can be planted. As a result, there is a huge diversity of grapes and blends produced here. The most important soils that give terroir expression to the wines include calcareous mixtures with sand and clay in the Lepovo micro-location; volcanic sub-soil at the micro-location of Barovo and so on. These specific features of the area contribute to the production of wines that are characterized by intense fruit flavours, freshness and liveliness.

Grape Varieties

White

Red

GEVGELIJA – VALANDOVO WINE DISTRICT

Overview

In ancient times, people from this wine district were commonly the ones who contributed to spreading wines across the whole region, thanks to their belief that wine and the sun were sources of wealth and luck. During this period, the land that is North Macedonia today was one of the most renowned regions for growing grapes. This has been confirmed by archaeological findings from the Valandovo region, mostly on the archaeological site of Isar-Marvinci.

Climate

The southernmost wine district of North Macedonia. It’s a relatively small basin: to the east it reaches the town of Valandovo; southwards it extends along the Vardar river to Gevgelia then even further south across the open plains towards the Aegean Sea. This topography increases the influence of the Mediterranean climate. Long warm summers and mild winters, with over 300 sunny days, characterize this district. During the heat of the summer, freshness is brought by mountain breezes blowing from the north through the tiny canyon of Demir Kapija (which literally translates as Iron Gate). Freshness also comes from frequent torrential summer rains that maintain high humidity. This combination of excessive sun and high humidity are usually managed with the pergola system. This helps prevent sunburn and increases air circulation but can be very productive, so it’s important to control yields to increase grape quality.

Soil

The climate and environment determine the best spots for setting up vineyards, and the right choice of soil is essential. This wine district encompasses different soil types and on the rolling hills, preferred sites feature clay on slopes, which can drain off surplus torrential rainfall and at the same time retain sufficient moisture for the upcoming dry period. The vineyards along both banks of the Vardar river enjoy the well-drained and nutrient-poor gravel and sandy-clay soils.

Grape Varieties

White

Red

STRUMICA-RADOVISH WINE DISTRICT

Overview

There is a tradition of wine production in this district dating back many centuries, supported by archaeological discoveries in the Carevi Kuli fortress in Strumica, an ancient site dating back to 3500 BCE. Winemaking was recorded here during the Roman era but was largely abandoned with the fall of the Roman Empire.

Climate

This is a unique isolated basin in the south-east corner of North Macedonia. It extends from Radovish along the Strumica river, a tributary of the Struma River. The Struma river valley opens towards the Aegean barely 100km away, and channels significant Mediterranean influences up the valley to the vineyards. Around the time of veraison, cooling breezes arrive from the northern slopes of the Belasica mountain, though this is not enough to compensate for the low rainfall of just 287mm in this period, so drought can be a problem. This wine district typically sees 210 sunny days allowing growers to produce high-quality grapes. Overall the climate of this wine-district is closest to the climates of the northern zones of Vardar River Valley.

Soil

The climate and environment define the best spots for vineyards, along with right choice of soil. Soils here are varied and locations with clay are preferred on sloping sites where heavy rainfall can drain but enough soil moisture is retained to survive drought. Vineyards along both banks of the Strumica river benefit from well-drained but nutrient-poor gravel and sandy-clay soils.

Grape Varieties

White

Red

OVCHE POLE WINE DISTRICT

Overview

Wine has been produced in this wine district for centuries, as confirmed by many artefacts found at the Bargala archaeological site, a Byzantine fortified town constructed between the 4 th and 6 th century AD. Ovche Pole wine district plays a significant part in the wine production in North Macedonia,
covering areas of grapevine cultivation around the cities of Sveti Nikole, Štip and Probishtip, north from river Zletovo.

Climate

This wine district has a predominantly continental climate, though sub-Mediterranean
influences may also be felt. In general, this wine district has hot summers and cold winters. The landscape itself allows vineyards to utilize optimal sun exposure with southern winds, whilst the surrounding mountainous landscape serves a protective function from cold northerly winds. This mixture of climate and landscape, combining to create this distinctive terroir, promote balanced ripening which results in grapes that are perfect for wines with expressive fruit characteristics and good structure.

Soil

This wine district encompasses a wide range of soils. Vineyards are typically planted on gentle slopes and plateaus where the soil is nutrient poor with higher pH, chalk, sand and good drainage. Some schist and gravel mixed with clay may be found, which radiate heat and mitigate the microclimate around the vines during the night when temperatures usually fall significantly, resulting in improved ripening of the grapes. The diurnal temperature range differs significantly, resulting in slower grape ripening and helping to ensure that biological and phenolic ripening coincide.

Grape Varieties

White

Red

KOCHANI – VINICA WINE DISTRICT

Overview

Grapevines may have been cultivated here since ancient times, supporting by the discovery of many artefacts at the ancient ruins of Vinicko Kale, located on the hill above the town of Vinica. The name Vinica is derived from the word “vine” because the city was formerly noted for its vineyards. On terracotta icons found in Vinicko Kale, the name of the city is recorded as Vinea or Vince. This ancient city also played an important role during the Roman era, when wine production was booming in the region. The destruction and fall of the Roman Empire meant that cultivation of grapes was abandoned, followed by a dramatic decline in wine consumption in Western and Central Europe. Nevertheless, wine production in the region continued
uninterrupted, though on a smaller scale.

Climate

The dominant climate here is continental with mountain influences. This wine district is
surrounded by high mountains to the south, north, and east which provide protection fromsignificant cold north winds and rains. The region is more open to the west, across low areas with rolling hills, towards the Vardar River. These low-lying vineyards benefit from the influence of the river Bregalnica, a tributary of the Vardar.

Soil

The vineyards are mainly located among the foothills of mountains and on rolling hills, which means on slopes. The soils are typically nutrient-poor and thin, as soil erosion can be a problem. Chemically the soils vary in calcium and potassium content. What is much more
important is the texture of the soil which offers good drainage, as well retaining soil moisture during periods of drought. Sun exposure and concentration of UV increases with altitude and gives a unique intensity of character to the grapes and thus to the resulting wines.

Grape Varieties

White

Red

OHRID WINE DISTRICT

Overview

Ohrid wine district has a unique climate of Mediterranean, mountain, and continental influences, mitigated by the oldest lake in Europe, Lake Ohrid. It is believed that grapevines have been cultivated here since ancient times. This long tradition is verified by many artefacts found at the Trebenista archaeological site, an ancient ruin located between cities of Ohrid and Kicevo. Important archaeological wine finds have been excavated at this site that prove the presence of vineyards and winemaking centuries ago. A wine krater (a bronze vessel 81.5cm high and 44.5cm wide) used for infusing wine with herbs and watering-down wine to reduce its strength, as well as a golden wine gold cup dating from 5th to 6 th centuries BCE show that wine
played an important ceremonial role in this region. Orthodox churches played an important part in continuing wine production during the Ottoman
period. There are more than 360 churches in this region that kept the tradition of winemaking alive for the whole territory.

Climate

The Ohrid wine district is largely mountainous and is high in altitude, so it has elements of a mountain climate, but it is also tempered by huge water body of Lake Ohrid. The mild influence of the Mediterranean climate is also felt through the river Drim. Summers are pretty warm during the day and cooler by night, while winters are mild. Late spring and early autumn frosts can be an occasional but rare risk.

Soil

The vineyards are undulating and occasionally hilly, with gentle slopes. The best sites for
grapevines are south-facing. Vines are mainly grown on diluvial, brown and cinnamonic soils.

BITOLA WINE DISTRICT

Overview

Scratch the surface almost anywhere in North Macedonia and you are likely to find an artefact linked to the country’s rich cultural history, and especially its wine and food traditions. The ancient town of Heraclea, established by Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great) in 4th century BC, bears witness to the long tradition of wine production and consumption in this wine district. There are records from Ancient Macedonia showing that wine was served to warriors before battle and also in honour of victory, and more rarely, as a consolation after defeat. Furthermore, this wine district is located on the crossroads of the Via Ignatia, a once-famous, ancient trade route. The Romans traded wines and other goods all
along this route, and spread vine growing and wine production. Today, Bitola is the gastronomic heart of Macedonian cuisine, supported by wines from the well-known Vardar River Valley region, along with local wines from garage wineries that are mostly consumed in people’s homes.

Climate

The Bitola wine district is quite mountainous and lies at high altitude, giving it features of a mountain climate along with moderate continental aspects. Summers are pretty warm, while winters are very cold with temperatures low enough to cause freezing damage to vines.

Soil

The district can be unofficially divided into three important wine sub-zones that differ in soil.
The first is located north of the town of Bitola, upstream along the Black River. Vineyards are
planted mainly on the plain where the nutrient-rich, alluvial loams cannot produce high-quality crops, so most wines are destined for bulk production. However, it’s worth noting that this sub-zone extends for a short distance to the west in direction of Demir Hisar. Here some good quality vineyards may be found on the foothills of the mountains with nutrient-poor soils based on gneiss and clay. The second sub-zone is located on the foothills of Mount Pelister. There’s a cooler climate here and Lake Strezevo moderates the extreme continental-mountain climate. The third sub-zone is located to the south-east of the town of Bitola, near the Greek border and close to the hamlet of Tepavci, where the rocky limestone and red clay terrain at 550m altitude gives very good results with Gamay.

Grape Varieties

White

Red

PCHINJA - OSOGOVO WINE REGION

Overview

The Eastern Wine Region (also known as Pchinja-Osogovo) extends along the northern part of Pchinja River Valley towards the Osogovo Mountains and includes three wine districts: Kumanovo, Kratovo, and Pijanec. The vineyards are fragmented and scattered throughout the wine region, and express different terroirs and quality. Each wine district has its own distinct meso-climate: Kumanovo tends towards continental while the Pijanec climate is more influenced by mountains and Kratovo lies between the two. The vines are mainly grown on the mountain slopes with an altitude of 440 to 850m.

Climate

The climate is continental temperate, colder than Central and Eastern regions, with strong
northern winds. On average, there are 110 days with a temperature of over 25‎°C in summer. Average precipitation levels are 550mm each year, and between 300 and 400mm during the vegetative period. Periods of drought are rare during this time.

Soil

The type of soils varies significantly, both diluvial and alluvial soils are present with varying
chemical content and texture. Cinnamonic soil, limestone rocks, sand-clay mixes and so on can be found. In general, wines from this wine region are characterized by a refreshing and elegant palate followed by silky or velvety tannins, some minerality, and elegance.