Wines Unspecified Bikicki - Uncensored - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Bikicki Cuvée Uncensored 2022 is a striking orange wine from the Métochie region in Serbia, crafted by the innovative Bikicki winery. This cuvée, made in the skin-contact style, is the result of carefully selected white grape varieties, left to macerate with their skins for a prolonged period. This traditional method imparts the characteristic amber hue and an impressively complex aromatic profile, with notes that often recall dried fruits, orange peel, apricot, tea leaf and subtle hints of spice or wild herbs. The vintage 2022 brings vibrancy and freshness to the palate, balanced by a textured mouthfeel and a gentle, gripping tannic structure—a signature of well-made orange wines. Bikicki pursues minimal intervention winemaking, ensuring the wine's authenticity shines through.

Métochie is a historic viticultural area located in the Serbian province of Kosovo, benefitting from a continental climate. Hot, sun-drenched summers and chilly winters allow grapes to ripen fully while retaining vital acidity. The soils here are rich in limestone and clay, which contribute to the wines’ marked minerality and depth. Winemaking in the Balkans dates back millennia; today, passionate producers like Bikicki infuse that legacy with a modern, adventurous spirit, elevating the reputation of Serbian wines on the international scene.

The robust character and slight tannic grip of Bikicki’s Cuvée Uncensored make it a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with richly flavoured Balkan cuisine such as sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), grilled lamb, or roasted aubergines with spices. Its aromatic intensity also compliments world dishes like Moroccan tagines, Indian curries or even strong cheeses like comté or aged feta, highlighting both the spice and umami elements of each dish.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally at 12-14°C. Pour into large glasses to allow the complex aromatics to unfurl, and consider decanting for 30 minutes to soften the tannins and enhance the wine’s expressive bouquet. This is a wine that will evolve in the glass, rewarding patient and attentive sipping.