Powerful Vranac Barrique 2016

Crmnica — the homeland of our dignified variety. On this soil, grapevines have been cultivated for centuries. The terraced vineyards of this region are only the beginning of the creative development of the winemakers of that time, who, at an altitude of around 400 metres, in the Bukovik–Brčeli area, began a story that we today call Tradition.

From Crmnica, Vranac spread throughout Montenegro. The largest viticultural complex of the sunny region planted with this variety was established at Ćemovsko Polje, where the winery “13. Jul Plantaže” laid the foundation of this variety’s identity.

Nearly 70% of more than 2,000 hectares of vineyards are planted with the authoritative Vranac.

Today, Plantaže offers a wide spectrum of different varieties and categories — Classic, Premium, Ultra Premium and Selection — including 8 different wines in which 8 different symphonies have been composed within the same orchestra.

For this occasion, we have selected a new one, only recently composed, whose tones we are now sharing with our audience.

Vranac Barrique 2016

From the very first contact between wine and glass, the wine reveals youth, potential and richness. Vranac reflects its nobility through the colour of ripe apricot, with high intensity and a thin watery rim. It looks young, very young — eager to prove itself, ready to show strength and boldness. Its visual density and the colour it leaves in the glass represent potential for everyone holding a glass of premium wine and waiting to enjoy it.

Its lush aromas come to the fore after several minutes of quiet rest in the glass. Its varietal character proudly conducts rich aromas of black and red fruit, dominated by blackcurrant, blueberry and dried plum, accompanied by no less intense, yet much fresher notes of pomegranate, sour cherry, cranberry and rosehip.

Secondary aromas of roasted vanilla, sweet caramel and spicy cedarwood do not threaten the identity of this great wine. On the contrary, they are perfectly integrated into a brilliant orchestra — a song worthy of world festivals, awards and medals. But we do not know that yet; it must be tasted.

Balanced, inspired and abundant, each new aroma reveals a new chord of Vranac aged for one year, 80% in French and 20% in American barrique, with the remainder aged in stainless steel and bottle.

On the palate, it is juicy, rich, extractive and enchanting. It captivates with fullness, richness and sweetness. The aromas of restraint and unpredictability in a wine that is still young are only attributes and advantages of a promising young Vranac.

Alongside fruit, spices and secondary aromas of premium oak, with dominant retronasal notes of caramel and Toblerone, the young tannins strive to reveal the wine’s potential for long bottle ageing.

Full-bodied, slightly spicy and with a somewhat textured mouthfeel, in which velvety tannins meet a long, creamy freshness and finish, while malolactic fermentation has perfectly played the role of conductor of the orchestra.

With enormous potential, 14.7% alcohol and now already five years of ageing in barrique, tank and bottle, Vranac Barrique 2016 calls for a serious bite alongside its performance. On its own, it may even seem somewhat selfish, reminiscent of an athlete in full strength, just out of the gym.

Richer and spicier red meat dishes with various sauces, as well as generous roasts prepared under the sač, are a simple choice alongside this opulent Vranac. It can also be served with simpler fish and meat bites.

Vranac Barrique 2016 — a Vranac of high potential, which should be decanted before serving.