The country of Montenegro is absolutely beautiful and while its landscape is enough to draw many visitors each year, it's also home to the largest vineyard in all of Europe. This wouldn't be surprising except for the fact that Montenegro is also one of Europe's smallest country - but if this vineyard is any indication, big things can come from very small places.
The vineyard was first established in 1963 and is still one of the most expansive vineyards on the continent. The vineyard itself covers a distance of roughly 5,700 acres, which is massive compared to many others around the world, including those in the US. With so much land, it's easy to figure out how the vineyard could be home to a whopping 28 varieties of grapes, but most of them are of the Vranac variety, which is used to make a deep, rich dark red wine. The soil in Montenegro's vineyard is also quite unique; rather than having the consistency of turned, rich soil like other vineyards, the planting grounds here are full of rocks and stones, which are perfectly suited for the grapes in this region of the world.
Montenegro Is Practically Tailor-Made For Grape Diversity
There are varieties of grapes here that are not found anywhere else in the world and of them, 63 have only been found in this tiny country. Therefore, not only is Montenegro known for its wine production but it's also known for its land and soil which is far more conducive to a successful growing season than anywhere else in Europe. This country has grown quite the reputation for its wine variety and it could be argued that it's one of the greatest - if not the greatest - in the world.
Those who choose to visit Montenegro for its wine will be pleasantly surprised, however, to know that the country is home to many different vineyards. They might not all be as expansive as 5,700 acres, but they all offer unique and diverse ranges of wine, each of which just as delicious as the last. With the country of France not far, many have said that Montenegro is the place to be to find some of the only wines that can even compete with that of the lover's city. Not to mention, its Mediterranean landscape is nothing short of stunning, with the Adriatic coastline not far from many vineyards.
The History Of Vranac Wine
Vranac wine is what Montenegro is known for and it's actually the 'grandfather' of Italian Primitivo. While neither of those might sound familiar, Zinfandel should, which is also part of this rich grape family's line. Both the color and flavor of vranac is something that many travel from all over to experience, as its color, richness, and subtle sweetness can be found nowhere else. Many of the vineyards producing these wines are also family-owned, making the experience unique and personal, as one visit to any family-run vineyard shows off just how proud, and how much work, goes into creating these divine wines.
It's not uncommon for wine tastings in this country to last for hours, with so much to experience and learn. The wine cellars alone at the country's largest span for what seems like forever, with barrel after barrel of finely aged wine. An education is sure to be had at any one of these vineyards as well, with everyone's questions being answered along with a friendly smile and encouragement from staff to try another. Wine tastings are usually accompanied by some kind of meat and cheese charcuterie platter, making the experience one that's a delight for the senses as well as a wholesome meal.
Plantaze, in particular, is housed in what was once an old military base which is what provides the country's largest vineyard with all the land it needs to produce incredible wine. It's estimated that there are thousands of wine barrels houses there at any one time and the tasting is usually accompanied by a traditional stew from the area, the perfect accompaniment to full-bodied and rich wine. The keynote in this wine is the cherries flavors, which bring about a sweet and heavy feeling on the palette, leaving wine-lovers satisfied with the boldness and seduction of it.
The vineyard does ship to 40 countries outside of Montenegro but there's nothing like experiencing this wine in-person. It's a true haven for wine-lovers and when it comes to any wine-themed trip, Montenegro - and these vineyards, especially Plantaze - should be first on the list.