Vranec Leads the Way

Monteko Winery - A Promising Debut from Kratovo

Sometimes a debut speaks louder than years of tradition. Monteko Winery, a newcomer on the Macedonian wine scene, has stepped confidently onto the international stage with six awards for three wines, each scoring above 90 points in four different competitions in 2025.

Monteko’s story begins in the Pchinja-Osogovo Wine District, in Kratovo – the oldest small town on the Balkans, known for its medieval bridges, towers, and volcanic landscapes. The winery’s vineyards, rooted in volcanic soils at 600 meters above sea level, give a distinctive mineral energy and freshness to the wines, a signature that is already catching the attention of judges and wine lovers alike.

Their debut collection has impressed not only with medals, but with the precision of its expressions:

• Nero 2023 (Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, 50/50) – 90 pts. A wine of plentiful fruit expression, opening with ripe dark berries and prunes, touched by a delicate note of pencil shavings. Its full body and ripe, rounded tannins wrap the palate in warmth and generosity, leaving a long, satisfying finish.
  
  
• Merlot 2023 – 90 pts. Generous and inviting, this Merlot bursts with ripe black cherries and blueberry jam, enriched by mocha and a sprinkle of spice. On the palate, it flows with juicy freshness, while its grainy tannins bring structure and a sense of liveliness.
  
  
• Vranec 2023 – 94 pts. The jewel of Monteko’s debut. Seductive aromas of raspberry and black cherry rise from the glass, accented by a subtle hint of smoke. It is both powerful and graceful, with robust tannins and striking fruit purity that capture the essence of Macedonia’s native grape in its most compelling form.
  
  

​Monteko’s rapid success proves that even a young winery, with the right terroir and vision, can stand shoulder to shoulder with established names. Visitors of "Taste of Awards 2025" will have the first chance to experience this exciting debut, where volcanic soil, mountain altitude, and a fresh winemaking spirit converge in every glass.

Tickets