Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country in eastern southern Europe, formed after the collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Together, Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the six federal units that made up the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (also known as Bosnia and Herzegovina or simply Bosnia) does not produce a significant amount of wine, although it does have a few thousand hectares of productive vineyards. These vineyards are mainly located in the low-lying areas between the Adriatic coast and Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina.
They are planted mainly with Zilavka, a light-skinned Grape variety known for its high Alcohol potential and Acidity. Both qualities lend themselves well to distilled beverages, so in addition to a significant amount of brandy, the region also produces ioza, a Clear brandy similar in style to Italian grappa. A black grape variety called Blatina is also used.
In addition to grape-based alcoholic beverages, Bosnia and Herzegovina's enterprising brewers, distillers, and small-scale winemakers use a variety of orchard fruits (cherries, apples, and plums are the most common) to make beverages of various styles: Sweet and Dry, low and high alcohol.
cherry brandies unify the country's grapes and orchard fruits and are one of the few beverages that are exported in quantity.
