Wines Skopje Château Kamnik - Merlot Single Vineyard Reserva - 2019

Viniou Reviews

The 2019 Cuvée Merlot Single Vineyard Reserva from Château Kamnik is an elegant expression of North Macedonian viticulture, coming from the renowned Vardar Valley, specifically the Skopje appellation. This red wine, made entirely from Merlot grapes, showcases the singular characteristics of a single vineyard. Merlot, known for its smooth and soft profiles, in this particular vintage, envelops the palate with its rich, plush texture and ripe fruit notes. The Reserva indicates that this wine has been aged, likely contributing to its complexity and depth, offering layers of dark fruit, hints of spice, and gentle tannins.

The Vardar Valley, where Skopje is located, benefits from a continental climate with Mediterranean influences, which provides warm summer days and cooler nights, ideal conditions for grape maturation. The soil in this area is predominantly alluvial, providing excellent drainage, which Merlot vines particularly appreciate. This region has a long tradition of winemaking that stretches back centuries, influenced by both ancient local practices and Mediterranean winemaking standards, contributing to the distinctive characteristics of its wines.

For food pairings, this Merlot's velvety tannins and medium body make it wonderfully versatile. It pairs nicely with roasted meats such as lamb or beef, and its fruitiness complements tomato-based dishes, making it an excellent match for Mediterranean cuisine like moussaka or a hearty stew. For a taste of the local fare, consider it with "tavče gravče," a traditional Macedonian bean dish, as the spice and herbs will accentuate the wine's complexity.

In terms of tasting, serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C, allowing its bouquet to open fully and its flavours to express themselves eloquently. It is advisable to decant it for 30 minutes before serving to let it breathe and enhance its characteristic smoothness and finesse.