Top 100 red wines of Macedonia
Discover the top 100 best red wines of Macedonia as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the red wines that are popular of Macedonia and the best vintages to taste in this region.
Greek Macedonia (Makedonia) is an expansive region in Northern Greece. It is bordered by the Republic of North Macedonia, Albania and Bulgaria to the north and the Aegean Sea in the South.
The vineyards in the mountainous region are extensively planted to Xynomavro, along with Roditis, Limnio and the more-international Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. Macedonian red wines are noted for their firm tannins and big flavors, and the best examples are among Greece's most-sought-after reds.
There are several PGI-level regional appellations alongside the PDO titles, including Drama, Kavala, Sithonia, Mount Athos and Thessaloniki. A large range of both native and international grape varieties are used for these appellations.
Macedonia is perhaps slightly more Balkan than Mediterranean in terms of landscape. Furthermore, the Climate here has both Mediterranean and continental influences.
The latter manifest in the hot summers and colder winters. This is amplified by the usually mountainous locations of the vineyards, concentrated largely in the western Part of the region on the border of Epirus.
Here, the appellations Amyndaio, Goumenissa and Naoussa produce some of Greece's most popular reds, made from Xynomavro. Further south on the Halkidiki Peninsula, wines bearing the Playes Melitona appellation feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Limnio.
Pinot noir is an important red grape variety in Burgundy and Champagne, and its reputation is well known! Great wines such as the Domaine de la Romanée Conti elaborate their wines from this famous grape variety, and make it a great variety. When properly vinified, pinot noit produces red wines of great finesse, with a wide range of aromas depending on its advancement (fruit, undergrowth, leather). it is also the only red grape variety authorized in Alsace. Pinot Noir is not easily cultivated beyond our borders, although it has enjoyed some success in Oregon, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
red wines from the region of Macedonia go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or pork such as recipes of roast beef with caramelized onion, risotto of penne with chorizo and merguez or creole chipolatas.