North Macedonia — wine

Tikves

The most important wine-producing region of North Macedonia and one of the Balkans' most historically significant wine zones. Tikves produces wines from both indigenous varieties (Vranec, Temjanika) and international grapes from its warm, sub-continental climate with exceptional sunshine hours. The Tikves winery is one of the largest in the former Yugoslavia and has been producing wines since 1885. The indigenous Vranec grape is the region's most distinctive asset.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Warm Vardar Valley season; excellent Vranec concentration and color
2022 Outstanding vintage; finest Tikves Vranec in recent memory with exceptional structure
2021 Reliable vintage; approachable, fruit-forward style across both indigenous and international varieties
2020 Hot, dry growing season; powerful, tannic Vranec reds with long aging potential
2019 Good vintage with improving quality; Tikves Winery's investment in cellar technology becoming evident