The rich palette of Balkan grapes that producers can draw from is the foundation for the region’s most exciting wines. As winemakers in Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia strive to create wines that speak of their terroir and heritage, international grapes are increasingly giving way to historic local varieties – which consumers can begin exploring by trying these six standout Balkan grapes.
Albania
Shesh i Bardhë
Taking its name from the hills west of Tirana, this white grape is at the heart of Albania’s wine industry. This ancient variety is largely grown in hilly vineyards, enjoying maritime influences from the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It offers floral aromatics with hints of peach, pear and orange blossom – crucially, always with zesty acidity.
Kallmet
Although it is not as widely planted as Shesh i Zi (Shesh i Bardhë’s red counterpart), Kallmet is showing greater promise, especially in the drier climate of Northern Albania. At its best here it produces medium to dark wines with red berry, rosehip and cranberry fruit, sometimes a touch of spice and supple, mineral, tannic structure.
North Macedonia
Temjanika
Everyone in the Balkans loves an aromatic white, and Temjanika has been adopted as a local favourite. It’s a permitted name for Muscat-type cultivars (Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains, Moscato Giallo and the indigenous Balkan Temjanika Bela). Its name comes from the word for incense, describing its inviting rosewater and spice aromas. Here it is usually vinified dry with refreshing, crisp acidity.
Vranec
This inky-dark grape is
