A gala introduction to Vojvodina wines

Discovering wines from Serbia's Vojvodina wine region over dinner at The Square Restaurant, Square Nine Hotel, Belgrade was a gala affair. Our last evening in Serbia over 40 #winelovers from around the world gathered for a gala banquet. Spaswinefood was excited to come to Serbia to explore its wines. Our explorations included touring eastern and central Serbian wine country, celebrating #ProkupacDay, and now it was time to taste wines from the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina. Our Serbian hosts had chosen an excellent location,The Square, one of the top restaurants in Belgrade for this event.

The Square, Nine Square Hotel, Belgrade © Spaswinefood

Of course the setting was just perfect for such a gala affair with #winelover friends.

#Winelovers at The Square © Spaswinefood

#Winelovers at Work © Spaswinefood

Introduction to Vojvodina Wines
When #winelovers arrived, the wines were beautifully displayed on a table at the center of the restaurant. Special thanks to the restaurant's sommelier for a stunning presentation of the wines.

Vojvodina Wines Waiting, The Square © Spaswinefood

Before dinner began we had an opportunity to taste the Vojvodina wines. The northern Serbian province of Vojvodina is know for its rich agricultural lands, which makes up 84% of the province. Wine-searcher lists 29 wine producers in Vojvodina province. The #winelover gala banquet included an excellent representation of these producers.

Vojvodina Red Wines, The Square © Spaswinefood

Red, white, and rosé still wines were available.

Vojvodina White Wines, The Square © Spaswinefood

Vojvodina White Wines © Spaswinefood

Tomislav Ivanovic and Igor Lukovic started the evening with a brief introduction to the wines.

The Square © Spaswinefood

We were also most fortunate to have representatives from three producers at the banquet. For now I will highlight a few wines from these producers. My plans are to write later on the Vojvodina wines.

Vojvodina Producers, The Square © Spaswinefood

I did manage to chat briefly with the winemaker from Vinarija Deurić about their wines. 

Vinarija Deurić Winemaker © Spaswinefood

He introduced me to their wines that were available for tasting.

Vinarija Deurić, Family Estate Pinot Noir

Vinarija Deurić, Family Estate Pinot Noir © Spaswinefood

The owners of Komuna Vinarija shared with me an overview of their wines and the enotourism opportunities available at their winery. 

Vinarija Komuna Owners © Spaswinefood

Later, I sampled both of their wines. One of the two wines from Vinarija Komuna was a Cabernet Sauvignon. They also produce Chardonnay, Muscat, and Rosé wines.

Vinarija Komuna, Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Vinarija Komuna, Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 © Spaswinefood

Meeting the marketing representative from Kovačević winery was rewarding. I have discovered that the family has been producing wines for more than a century. Chardonnay is their flagship wine, making up 60% of its wine production. Other grape varieties grown in their vineyards include Sauvignon Blanc, Rhine Riesling, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Kovačević  Marketing Director and George Wine © Spaswinefood

At the gala, I was able to sample two of their wines.

Kovačević Chardonnay

Kovačević Chardonnay  © Spaswinefood

Kovačević Aurelius 2012

Kovačević Aurelius 2012 © Spaswinefood

Getting to meet three producers and sample the Vojvodina wines at the gala banquet was indeed a special treat.

Vojvodina is an important part of Serbia's rebirth in wine making. Serbia located in Southeastern Europe is the largest of the former Yugoslavia states, and the most productive wine-producing region. Located between the northern latitudes of 41-47, the geographical latitude of major wine making regions in France, this places Serbia in the wine belt. Winemaking in Serbia dates back to prehistory. During the Roman period viticulture was quite rich in this area. Throughout history Serbian vineyards have experienced many major challenges. These challenges include philoxera, world wars, and years under Communist occupation. Despite the earlier challenges, the former Yugoslavia was amongst the top ten wine producing countries in the 1970’s. The most recent setback was when Yugoslavia broke up in the 1990’s, followed by an economic decline in Serbia. Since 2000’s winemaking started to recover. In recent years the wine industry has undergone a rebirth, with small and medium size, privately owned wineries entering the market. Serbia’s Vojvodina wine region is a significant player in this recent development.

Dining at The Square
The quality of the Vojvodina wines at the gala banquet was outstanding. It is hard to beat an event with good wines and food. Besides the Square is rated as one of the top restaurants in Belgrade.

Table Waiting, The Square © Spaswinefood

Let's take a look at some of the fabulous dishes served for dinner.

First Course

Pâté, The Square © Spaswinefood

Vegetarian Option, The Square © Spaswinefood

Second Course

Second Course, The Square © Spaswinefood

Third Course

Third Course, The Square © Spaswinefood

Dessert

Dessert, The Square © Spaswinefood

Naturally all #winelovers present were greatly appreciative of the sommelier and the chef who made our evening special.

Sommelier and Chef, The Square © Spaswinefood

It was a very special evening with #winelover friends and Serbian wines. The gala dinner at The Square was the perfect event at which to discover Vojvodina wines. My understanding of Serbian wines was richer because of this experience. Fortunately for me our Serbian #winelover hosts provided this opportunity. I invite you to join me in my travels in Serbia and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

Belgrade, Serbia

October 2017

© Spaswinefood

The Square, Belgrade © Spaswinefood

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