Our #winelover adventure to Central Serbian led us to Vinarija Aleksandrović in Vinča. Here we visited Vinarija Aleksandrović, a family winery, which has had a long tradition of winemaking in this region. Besides tasting some awesome Aleksandrović wines we were introduced to the rich history of winemaking along the Oplenac Wine Route. Join me as I discover some of the region's history and Aleksandrović wines.
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#Winelovers, Vinarija Aleksandrović © Spaswinefood
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Oplenac Wine Route's Winemaking History
The Oplenac Vineyards in Vinča have a long history of winemaking, dating back to ancient times. When the Romans cultivated vines here the area was known as Vincea; in the Middle Ages it was called Vinica. The area thrived during the reign of King Peter 1 and King Alexander 1 who both promoted Oplenac wines throughout Europe. The Aleksandrović family has been involved in wine making here for over a century. They collaborated with royal viticulturists and cellar masters. Their great grandfather helped establish the Vinča Winemaking Cooperative in 1903.
Later wine production in this area met many challenges and went into decline. However when the royal cellar master, who migrated to Canada after WWII, discovered that the Aleksandrović family was establishing a winery he sent the recipe for the Trijumf blend. Today the Aleksandrović winery draws from its long family history of winemaking. Moreover the winery utilizes the latest advances in wine making technology while still highly valuing the winemaking traditions of this region.
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| Aleksandrović Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
The Aleksandrović winery established in 2000 plays a leading role in promoting Serbian wines, both at home and abroad.
#Winelovers at Vinarija Aleksandrović
When we arrived at the winery the first thing I noticed, near the entrance, was a stunning grape sculpture.
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| Grape Sculpture, Aleksandrović © Spaswinefood |
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| Entrance to Aleksandrović Winery © Spaswinefood |
There was welcoming drink waiting when we arrived. The wine was a Trijumf Rose 2015.
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| Aleksandrovic Trijumf Rose © Spaswinefood |
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| Waiting Aleksandrović Trijumf Rose © Spaswinefood |
This dry rose wine is made with Pinot Noir grapes. According to wine-searcher the wine is ranked among the top 10 wines from this region for number of prizes won. Yes, I can see why our host chose this wine as a welcoming drink.
After a brief tour of the winery we watched a movie, which included the history of the winery.
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| Off to Aleksandrović Barrel Room © Spaswinefood |
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| Aleksandrović Story © Spaswinefood |
The movie was followed by an introduction to Aleksandrović wines.
Aleksandrović Wines
I so loved participating in a Aleksandrović wine tasting with #winelover friends.
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| #Winelovers, Vinarija Aleksandrović © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelovers, Vinarija Aleksandrović © Spaswinefood |
The winery produces white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines, with some of their wines being premium wines. They also produce brandy. During our visit we tasted the following eight wines:
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| Aleksandrović Wines © Spaswinefood |
1. Trijumf Rose Sparkling Wine 2015 (100% Pinot Noir)
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| Trijumf Rose Sparkling Wine 2015 © Spaswinefood |
This was our most delightful welcoming drink.
2. Aleksandrović Triumf Noir Sparkling Wine 2009
Aleksandrović Triumf Noir 2009 sparkling wine is made with 100% Pinot Noir.
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| Aleksandrović Triumf Noir Sparkling Wine 2009 © Spaswinefood |
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Capturing Aleksandrović Wine Moments © Spaswinefood
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3. Aleksandrović Trijumf Selection White 2016
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| Aleksandrović Trijumf Selection 2016 © Spaswinefood |
Aleksandrović Trijumf Selection White 2016 is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc with Riesling and Pinot Blanc.
4. Aleksandrović Barrique White Wine 2012
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| Aleksandrović Barrique White 2012 © Spaswinefood |
Aleksandrović Barrique White Wine 2012 is a blend of 85% Chardonnay with 15% Riesling and Pinot Blanc. This oaked wine spends 12 months in barrique. It is one of their premium wines. According to wine-searcher this wine has received a number of awards.
5. Trijumf Rose Wine 2016 (70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon)
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| Trijumf Rose Wine 2016 © Spaswinefood |
This is a very pleasant rosé wine.
6. Trijumf Noir Red Wine 2012 (100% Pinot Noir)
Trijumf Noir, one of their premium wines, is indeed quite delightful.
7. Regent Reserve Red Wine 2013 (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot)
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| #Winelover Friend, Aleksandrović © Spaswinefood |
It was a pleasure to taste this Regent Reserve Red Wine 2013.
8. Aleksandrović Rodoslovo Grand Reserve 2006
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| Aleksandrović Rodoslovo Grand Reserve 2006 © Spaswinefood |
Aleksandrović Rodoslovo Grand Reserve 2006 is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Prokupac. This is one of their premium wines.
The wine conversations and the data collection around the table always add to the overall experience. What I enjoyed most, beyond discovering the wines, was meeting some of the enthusiastic faces behind today's Serbian wines. It is because wineries like Aleksandović entering the market that Serbian winemaking is experiencing a rebirth. Serbia located in Southeastern Europe is the largest of the former Yugoslavia states, and the most productive wine-producing region. Traveling with the #winelover community is a fantastic way to explore wine country. Spending time with #winelover friends in Serbia was priceless. When I get to share such wonderful experiences it is indeed special.
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| #Winelover Moments, Aleksandrović © Spaswinefood |
Before leaving Aleksandrović I took time to view the vineyards in October.
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| Vineyard, Aleksandrović © Spaswinefood |
I managed to take a peek at Prokupac grapes growing in their vineyard. For me this was very special because it is not every day that I get to see native grape varieties. In this case it was my first vineyard exposure to Prokupac grapes. After participating in the
First International Prokupac Day, the day before, it was indeed extra special.
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| October Grapes, Aleksandrović Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
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| Prokupac Grapes, Aleksandrović Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
Later we visited the Church of St. George and the Oplenac Hill Vineyard on the
Oplenac Wine Route.
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| Church of St. George © Spaswinefood |
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| Oplenac Hill Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
Clearly our October visit to
Aleksandrović Winery on the Oplenac Wine Route was an ideal time. Moreover this
Spaswinefood enthusiast delighted in touring Serbian wine country with #winelover friends. Our
Central Serbian #winelover adventure was completely filled with rich experiences. It was because of these rich experiences that I now have better insights into the rebirth Serbian wine making. I invite you to join me in my travels in Serbia and elsewhere at Spaswinefood,
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