Since its establishment, “13. Jul Plantaže” has recognised the importance of scientific research for the development of innovation and competitiveness, serving as a positive example of cooperation between science and industry. Since 2011, we have held a licence to conduct scientific research in the field of agricultural sciences, and have implemented more than 20 national and international projects as coordinator or partner.
The Development Sector, as the holder of project activities, has implemented numerous scientific research and development projects financed by the company, as well as co-financed by domestic and European institutions and funds through prestigious programmes and calls such as HORIZON 2020, IPA and EUREKA, and cooperation networks including COST, AEGIS, ECPGR and others. Through these activities, we have built a strong network of partners and collaborators, and, through the successful implementation of project activities, have been recognised as a reliable project partner.
Through many years of work in applied research in the fields of fruit growing, viticulture and winemaking, we contribute to the development and stronger positioning of the viticulture and wine sector, to a more diverse, richer and higher-quality offer of Montenegrin wines, and to the development and promotion of wine culture and wine tourism, presenting Montenegro as an important wine destination.
To become leaders in innovation and sustainable development in the viticulture and wine industry, using the latest technologies and scientific achievements to create premium wines that reflect the unique character of our terroir. Through the continuous improvement of our processes and products, and with respect for nature, we strive to ensure long-term prosperity.
Our research has revealed the varietal structure and viticultural history of Montenegro, confirming a surprising level of diversity for one of Europe’s smallest countries. We discovered many indigenous varieties, some on the verge of extinction, linked within a complex kinship network in which two varieties, Razaklija and Kratošija, played a key role in the creation of new indigenous varieties.
The results of pedigree analysis confirmed that Montenegrin viticulture is based on a family of genetically related varieties. Similar to renowned wine regions of France, such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, where key parental varieties in the pedigree include Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, Kratošija holds a special status as the “mother” or foundational variety — a pillar of Montenegrin viticulture.
We identified 106 Kratošija vines in old Montenegrin vineyards and determined that it is a parent variety, through both trio and duo relationships, of almost 20 grapevine genotypes cultivated in Montenegro.
Vranac, an indigenous Montenegrin grapevine variety that has been used for centuries in the production of red wine, finally has a confirmed pedigree. Our research, conducted in cooperation with the Spanish institute ICVV, revealed the full pedigree of the Vranac variety and established that it is a descendant of Duljenga and Kratošija.
The Duljenga variety was found in the collection of the Biotechnical Faculty and in old vineyards in Crmnica, indicating that it was once cultivated in Montenegro and that we have preserved it from extinction.
In 2016, at Ćemovsko Polje, we established the National Collection of confirmed genotypes of indigenous, domesticated and neglected grapevine varieties in Montenegro. The primary goal of this initiative is to preserve the genetic diversity of grapevine in our country.
Through further research and the characterisation of the agrobiological and oenological potential of these varieties, we expect to create new wines and develop a distinctive Montenegrin viticulture and winemaking sector based on indigenous and local varieties.
This newly discovered genetic diversity also plays a key role in addressing the challenges of climate change, identifying varieties resistant to drought and other extreme conditions, as well as selecting varieties resistant to diseases and pests.
The National Collection of newly discovered grapevine varieties at Ćemovsko Polje is becoming a resource and cornerstone for the production of new wines, ensuring the development and competitiveness of Plantaže and Montenegrin wines on the market in the decades to come.
Research has confirmed that the oldest grapevine variety cultivated in Montenegro is Kratošija, also known as Zinfandel in California, Primitivo in Italy and Tribidrag, Pribidrag or Crljenak Kaštelanski in Croatia.
Although its roots have been present in the Western Balkans for centuries, its exact origin has been the subject of controversy and has changed with the emergence of new facts and evidence, from the USA to Italy and Croatia. The first molecular analysis of our Kratošija variety was carried out in cooperation with Italian partners in 2008 and showed that it is the same genotype as Zinfandel, Primitivo and Crljenak Kaštelanski.
We went a step further in discovering the country of origin of this variety through the project and cooperation with the Spanish institute. We identified 106 Kratošija vines in old Montenegrin vineyards and determined that Kratošija is the parent of almost 20 grapevine genotypes cultivated in Montenegro.
We discovered several Kratošija biotypes — 17 varieties — which differ in characteristics such as yield, cluster compactness and cluster size. These variations confirm the ancient cultivation of this variety in Montenegro, which can also be traced through historical references such as the Medieval Statute of Budva and old folk songs from the 18th century.
The genetic connection between our Kratošija, Californian Zinfandel, Italian Primitivo and Croatian Crljenak Kaštelanski is indisputable. However, detailed re-analysis of genome sequences and comparison of the genomes of these varieties will allow us to better understand the origin, evolution and spread of this grapevine variety across the Balkan and Apennine peninsulas, as well as throughout the world.
The project aims to preserve and improve the quality of grapes and wines made from indigenous grapevine varieties, as well as to enhance the production of grapevine planting material within the company.
Many years of work on the clonal selection of indigenous grapevine varieties resulted, in 2014, in the selection and official recognition of seven Vranac clones — Vranac 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 — which surpassed the variety population in terms of quality.
In parallel with the implementation of this project, work was also carried out to improve the production of grapevine planting material. By establishing pre-basic and basic mother plantations of the Paulsen 1103 rootstock and selected Vranac clones, the foundation was created for the production of certified grapevine grafts.
Since 2012, vineyards at Plantaže have been established using certified clonal planting material of the Vranac variety, ensuring high quality and continuity in viticulture and winemaking production.
In addition to working on indigenous grapevine varieties, we continuously conduct research on introduced — international — varieties, clones and rootstocks that are expected to complement and improve the quality of our wines, contribute to the creation of new wines and enrich the range of our existing products.
Climate change brings new challenges and opportunities, making adaptation to new conditions essential for preserving and improving the quality of our products. By examining the expression of the most important agrobiological and economic-technological characteristics of introduced grapevine varieties and clones in the specific climatic and soil conditions of Ćemovsko Polje, we aim to ensure stable and sustainable production of high-quality wines and provide the best recommendations for the further expansion of these varieties in the company’s vineyards.
The aim of the project is to increase table grape yield per unit area and improve its quality, with the possibility of earlier ripening, in order to meet increasingly demanding market requirements.
Until 2017, we used only the vertical trellis system for table grape cultivation. Through the implementation of this project, we adopted new technologies and established plantations of the Cardinal and Muscat Italia varieties, using a horizontal support system and high training forms.
This approach is in line with practices in countries with the most advanced and largest table grape production, such as Italy, Spain and the United States of America.
Our research and implementation of new technologies are focused on ensuring stable and sustainable production of high-quality grapes that will meet market demands and increase the competitiveness of our products.
Information technologies are becoming a key part of modern agriculture, which is why we are gradually introducing them into all segments of production — from viticulture and fruit growing to winemaking.
“Traceability in the Wine Industry through Integrated Labelling of Wine Typicity, Health Protection Effects and Organoleptic Properties” (2021–2025) is implemented through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme and is based on intensive international and intersectoral cooperation.
Through the exchange of knowledge, researchers and best practices between academic institutions and business entities with partners from Spain, Italy, France, Serbia and Argentina, the project encourages the joint development of innovative approaches in the wine industry.
This cooperation enables the development of sustainable production and increased vineyard productivity through the use of new biostimulants, while digital technologies are used to improve the traceability and authenticity of wine.
The application of smart-tag labels and blockchain technology ensures transparency throughout the wine value chain. The project strengthens the foundations for long-term cooperation between science and industry and for the development of innovation in an international context.
“Building an Operational, Innovative and Sustainable European Agri-Food Sector” (2019–2023), funded by the European Union, represents a large-scale implementation of cross-sector smart farming based on platforms delivered through 20 different pilot projects.
The DEMETER project brings together 60 partners — representatives of leading companies in the agricultural and food sectors from 18 countries, 15 of which are European Union Member States.
Through the digitalisation of systems, namely the use of smart sensors within the project, “13. Jul Plantaže” will implement activities aimed at disease and pest prediction, irrigation optimisation and product transparency throughout the supply chain — from orchards and vineyards to the end consumer.
“Strengthening the Application of ICT Technologies in Agriculture” (2019–2022), implemented through the Erasmus+ KA2 and Regional EAC-A03-2018 programme, focuses on connecting academic and business entities.
A consortium of 16 partners from six countries — Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Romania and the Netherlands — is working to intensify the application of digital technologies in agriculture, thereby encouraging innovation and modernisation of the sector.
Our company participates in the project as a partner and end user.
“Brand Protection and Prevention of Counterfeiting in the Wine Industry” (2017–2018), implemented through the Horizon 2020 programme, tested the application of TagItSmart technology in the digitalisation and tracking of wine through “smart” labels and QR codes.
The focus was on applying this technology for brand protection and the prevention of counterfeiting in the wine sector.
The aim of the project was to ensure a higher level of security and efficiency, while improving the user experience by providing detailed information about the product, the producer and recommendations for pairing wine with food.
In this way, the project further strengthens brand protection and transparency within the wine value chain.
The aim of this pilot project was to optimise the grapevine irrigation regime in order to improve the physiological condition of the vines and reduce operating costs.
Soil moisture sensors were installed at several micro-locations across Ćemovsko Polje, at different depths, enabling precise and efficient irrigation planning.
The system is connected to a mobile and web application, allowing us to easily monitor data and respond promptly in real time.
The project was recognised by the European Commission as an example of good practice in the application of smart technologies in modern agriculture.
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