Wines Skopje Château Kamnik - Golden Temjanka - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Château Kamnik’s Cuvée Golden Temjanika 2024 is an expressive white wine from the Skopje appellation within North Macedonia’s fertile Vardar Valley. This wine is crafted entirely from the Temjanika grape, a unique local expression of the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, valued for its intensely aromatic profile and freshness. The 2024 vintage benefits from warm, sunny days and cool nights typical of the region, enhancing both the perfumed bouquet and crisp acidity. Vinification tends to focus on gently extracting the aromatic compounds characteristic of Temjanika, favouring stainless steel fermentation to preserve primary fruit notes and floral intensity.

The Vardar Valley, framing the Skopje area, is a prominent wine region in North Macedonia, influenced by a Mediterranean climate tempered by mountain breezes and the river’s moderating effects. Its soils, a mix of limestone, clay, and sandy gravels, provide ideal drainage and encourage healthy vineyard development. Historically, this area has been pivotal to Balkan winemaking, with viticulture dating back to antiquity and a contemporary reputation for quality focused on autochthonous grapes such as Temjanika, adding depth and authenticity to Macedonian enology.

A wine of this style pairs beautifully with a range of fresh, aromatic dishes. Its floral bouquet and bright acidity make it a natural companion to grilled freshwater fish, salads with goat’s cheese, or zesty seafood preparations such as calamari with lemon and herbs. For a more authentic local experience, try it with Macedonian “gjomleze” (savoury pie) or “gravče na tavče” (baked beans) drizzled with olive oil—its perfume and freshness will lift the palate. The wine is also a delightful apéritif.

For ideal enjoyment, serve Château Kamnik Golden Temjanika at 8-10°C. This will highlight its aromatic verve and keep the palate balanced, allowing both its fruit-forward charm and underlying minerality to shine through. Decanting is unnecessary; simply open and pour to appreciate its youthful exuberance.