Macedonia is divided into three grape growing regions with 16 wine districts:
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· Skopje Wine District
· Veles Wine District
· Tikvesh Wine District
· Gevgelija-Valandovo Wine District
· Strumica-Radovish Wine District
· Ovce Pole Wine District
· Kochani-Vinica Wine District
In Republic of Macedonia the ecologically clean environment represents a precondition for quality production of grapes, and production of wine as a final product as well. Distinctive characteristics of the soil types and climate enable acquisition of wine more emphasized aromatic complexes, more extract, bigger amount of alcohol, that together with the rest of the elements in harmony definitely determine the unique wine type from Republic of Macedonia.
The main varieties grown in this region include:
red:
Vranec - kartosia, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stanushina, Pinot Noir, Kadarka, Burgundy
white:
Chardonnay,
Muscat, Grenache Blanc (Belan),
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Smederevka, Rkaciteli, Muscat Ottonel, Temjanika, and Zilavka.
Dry subtropical summers and mainly mild winters with a continental climate influence, have made grape cultivation possible here from ancient times.
Povardarie - Central Wine Region
· Povardarie Central Region
· Pelagonija - Polog Western Region
· Pchinya - Osogovo Eastern Region
The largest and most famous grape growing region is the Povardarie (Vardar Valley) region, where 85% of Macedonian wine is produced.
The century old tradition lives in the Tikves region where the wine is the reason to celebrate. From the ancient ages the God of the wine, joy and fertility, Dionis, was specially favoured. In the time of the Roman reign, twice per year, bacchanalias were held in the honour of Bacchus, the God of the Wine. The wine is also considered to be the nectar of the Gods, was also a drink for both the rich and the poor.
The holiday Saint Triphun, which is largely celebrated in Macedonia, is a sign for the viticulturists to cut at least one wine branch, with a blessing the year to be fruitful. The branch-cutting is done traditionally with one basil flower and a cake, and the vineyard is watered with wine and brandy. The festivity continues in the local bars and in the wine-growers’ homes with song and wine.
Pelagonija-Polog - Western Wine Region
Dry subtropical summers and mainly mild winters with a continental climate influence, have made grape cultivation possible here from ancient times.
red:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Merlot,
Pinot Noir, Prokupec
and Vranec.
The main varieties grown in this region include:
white:
Riesling, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Zhilavka, Smederevka
