Grape Variety
Vranac
"VRAH-nats"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Vranac
Origin
Montenegro
History
Vranac is a red grape variety native to the Balkans, particularly Montenegro and North Macedonia. It is closely related to Kratosija (Zinfandel) and is one of the most important varieties in Montenegro. The grape's name, meaning 'black stallion,' reflects its bold and powerful character. It produces deeply colored wines with high acidity and tannin.
Appearance
Small, deep blue-black berries with thick skins.
Growing Traits
Vranac is a late-ripening variety that thrives in warm, dry climates. It is highly productive but can be prone to overcropping, so careful management is needed to ensure quality. The grape benefits from its deep skin, which contributes to the intense color and structure of the wines.
Wine Characteristics
Body
4/5
Sweetness
1/5
Tannin
4/5
Acidity
3/5
Alcohol
3/5
Full-bodied with a robust structure, offering a powerful mouthfeel and intense flavors. Typically vinified dry, showcasing its natural acidity and tannin structure. High tannin levels, providing a strong structure and a dry, astringent mouthfeel. Medium to high acidity, contributing to the wine's freshness and aging potential. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally ranging from 12% to 14%, contributing to the wine's body and intensity.
Taste Profile
Blackberry
Black Currant
Licorice
Spices
Earthy
Vranac wines are characterized by intense dark fruit flavors, including blackberry and blackcurrant, along with herbal notes of licorice. The wines often exhibit subtle spices and earthy undertones, giving them a complex and robust flavor profile. With high tannin and acidity, they are well-suited for aging.
Food Pairing
Vranac wines, with their bold tannins and robust character, pair well with grilled meats, roasted lamb, and hearty stews. The wine's full-bodied nature makes it an excellent companion for rich, flavorful dishes like barbecued meats and aged cheeses. Its earthy and fruit-forward profile also complements Mediterranean cuisine, such as grilled vegetables and olive-based dishes.
Growing Regions
Montenegro
Ćemovsko PoljeLake Skadar
North Macedonia
TikvešVardar Valley
Serbia
Vojvodina
Notable Wines & Producers
Plantaže Vranac
Plantaže
Tikveš Vranec
Tikveš
Stobi Vranec
Stobi Winery
Vranac FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Vranac?
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Montenegro
Is Vranac wine full bodied?
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Vranac has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Vranac is Moderate to Full bodied.
Is Vranac wine dry or sweet?
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Vranac has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Vranac is Dry.
Where is Vranac wine from?
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Montenegro
Where is Vranac grown?
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Vranac is grown in Montenegro (Ćemovsko Polje, Lake Skadar)North Macedonia (Tikveš, Vardar Valley)Serbia (Vojvodina).
What is Vranac like?
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Vranac wines are characterized by intense dark fruit flavors, including blackberry and blackcurrant, along with herbal notes of licorice. The wines often exhibit subtle spices and earthy undertones, giving them a complex and robust flavor profile. With high tannin and acidity, they are well-suited for aging.
What does Vranac pair with?
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Vranac wines, with their bold tannins and robust character, pair well with grilled meats, roasted lamb, and hearty stews. The wine's full-bodied nature makes it an excellent companion for rich, flavorful dishes like barbecued meats and aged cheeses. Its earthy and fruit-forward profile also complements Mediterranean cuisine, such as grilled vegetables and olive-based dishes.
What does Vranac taste like?
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Vranac wines are characterized by intense dark fruit flavors, including blackberry and blackcurrant, along with herbal notes of licorice. The wines often exhibit subtle spices and earthy undertones, giving them a complex and robust flavor profile. With high tannin and acidity, they are well-suited for aging.
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