Rich History of Wine Making
Although it is considered that the homeland of wine is Georgia, archaeological findings prove that the Ancient Macedonians were engaged in wine production 13 centuries before the new era. Their celebrations dedicated to the god Dionysus are well known. Dionysus is Dios (the god) from Nysa, an area with a mixed Macedonian and Thracian population. He is the god of the awakening of nature in spring. Wine was essential in the military formations of the ancient Macedonians, even at the time of Amyntas, but especially later under Philip the Second and Alexander the Third. In addition to being a stimulant, it is also a food that restores the necessary minimum strength to the body to withstand physical efforts and boost military moral.
Three of six known kraters (wine vessels) worldwide were found in Demir Kapija. Due to their size and artistic design, these craters lead us to believe they were part of a temple dedicated to Dionysus. In rituals throughout history, wine is present not only in church customs but also in secular events.
An ancient mosaic from Heraclea depicts a bull running through an orchard garden adorned with vines.
At wedding parties, baptisms, and at funeral rituals, wine holds the central place. Today, in the world's universal code of conduct, toasting with wine implies the production of a sound which, in the mythological sense but also in pagan rituals, means the expulsion of the forces of evil, or, as we would say today - the expulsion of negative energy.
The Climate
According to the climatic characteristics and the EU classification, Macedonia belongs to the III-C-b zone for producing wine varieties and has adopted the oenological regulations for this zone. This means that the country enjoys 270 sunny days a year; the intense aroma of Macedonian wines is due to the combined influence of the Mediterranean and continental climate: warm sunny days and cool nights, which help slow down the grapes' ripening.
The Tikvesh Region
The Tikvesh wine region is the most famous in Macedonia, and its 12,000 hectares of vineyards represent a third of all the grapes grown in the country. Regional, international, and several indigenous grape varieties are grown.
The hilly relief influences the existence of numerous microregions characterized by their own microclimate, soil, and wine philosophy. These microregions produce wines with unique characteristics. Such is the microregion of Negotino.
The most outstanding wine from the region is Vranec, definitely! It is the best expression of Macedonian terroir, excellent climate, and fertile soils.
A good Macedonian Vranec is like sunshine in a bottle.
Comments