With over 10,000 different grape varieties grown worldwide, Vranec/Vranac might be one you’ve not yet heard of, but this red grape variety is one that has started to gain international recognition beyond its native borders.
Vranec finds its roots in the Balkan Peninsula, primarily in Montenegro where it accounts for more than half of all vineyard plantings, as well as parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Croatia and Serbia. The name ‘Vranec’ roughly translates to ‘strong black’, a fitting tribute to its darkly-coloured grapes and powerful wine character.
Typically produced varietally, Vranec wines are deep red in colour, full in body and rich taste, ranging in flavours from cherry and blackcurrant to herbs and oak-derived chocolatey notes.
Due to the berries’ high sugar content, Vranec wines are typically high in alcohol, adding to the wines’ body, and balanced by high tannins and pleasant acidity. These structural qualities make it ideal for oak and bottle ageing.
Scroll down to discover 10 award-winning Vranec dominant wines from DWWA 2024
At Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2024, one Vranec was awarded a Gold medal and 95 points, coming from Povardarje’s sub-region Tikvesh in North Macedonia. Lepovo, Grand Cuvee 2021, a blend with 50% Vranec, was highly awarded by the judges for its vivid blueberry and blackcurrant fruit and its surge of aromatic violets encased in luxurious oak. North Macedonia received 10 more Silver and three Bronze medals for Vranec-dominant wines.
From Montenegro, two Silver medals were awarded at the 2024 competition. Both from Plantaze winery in the Podgorica region, Premijer 2016 (94 points) was characterised as firm, harmonious and persistent, while Stari Podrum Cuvee Terroir 2018 was distinguished for its nuances of chocolate, blackberry and mocha and its grainy tannins.
To familiarise yourself with benchmark examples of Vranec, below discover a selection of awarded Vranec dominant blends from DWWA 2024. Search more results at awards.decanter.com
World Vranec Day: DWWA-winning wines to try
North Macedonia
Lepovo, Grand Cuvee, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2021
Gold, 95 points
A powerhouse of vivid blueberry and blackcurrant fruit with a surge of aromatic violets encased in luxurious oak. Immensely bold and energetic with a persistent finish. Alcohol 15%
Venec Winery, Disan Crveno, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2022
Silver, 94 points
Intense and complex nose, with blackberry jam, chocolate and vanilla aromas, hints of olives. Ripe and velvety tannins, long finish. Alc 14%
Tikves Winery, Bela Voda, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2021
Silver, 91 points
Intense aromas of blackcurrant, ripe black cherries and herbal nuances. Very juicy palate, harmonious and elegant, with a long finish. Alc 15.5%
Wine Cellar Popovi, My Story Vranec-Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2022
Silver, 90 points
Lovely sweet spices notes seasoning a core of ripe berries and chocolatey black fruits. Big and bold, very juicy and ripe. Alc 15.5%
Bovin Winery, My Way Vranec, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2015
Bronze, 88 points
Aromas of prunes, sultana raisins and dried fruits. Sweet palate, with a racy acidity, juicy finish. Alc 15.9%
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Puntar, 69, Mostarsko Vinogorje 2020
Silver, 90 points
Expressive aromas of cocoa, vanilla and black fruits jam. Rounded and harmonious on the palate, well made, very juicy. Alc 13.5%
Vinarija Vera, Prima Vera, Herzegovina 2020
Bronze, 88 points
Vanilla aromas on the nose, with some notes of cherry fruit and dark berries. Elegant and lively. Alc 14.5%
Montenegro
Plantaze, Premijer, Podgorica 2016
Silver, 94 points
Herbal nose displaying scents of oregano, rosemary, black cherries and smoky nuances. Firm and full bodied, harmonious and persistent. Alc 14.7%
Plantaze, Stari Podrum Cuvee Terroir, Podgorica 2018
Silver, 90 points
The nose shows a lot of chocolate, blackberry, mocha, mulberry and lovely clove nuances. Big and full bodied, grainy tannins. Alc 15.8%
Kekovic, Vranac, Podgorica 2022
Bronze, 87 points
Intriguing nose with notes of blackcurrant leaf, bramble, damson, plums and chocolate. Firm tannins, easy to drink. Alc 14%
