Ivanović Prokupac
Winery: Ivanović
Varietals: 85% Tamjanika (aka Gelber Muskateller, Muscat a Petit Grains), 15% Riesling
Appellation: Župa, Tri Morave, Serbia
Density & Yield: 5000-7000 plants/ha; 7000kg/ha
Annual Production: 20,000 bottles
Alcohol: 13%
Climate: Modern continental climate with hot dry summers and cold winters, with a notable Mediterranean influence from the south, producing warm, dry autumns that allow Prokupac’s thick-skinned, late-ripening clusters to fully mature while retaining acidity. With the region’s hillside vineyard elevations ranging from 250-600 meters, the resulting diurnal temperature variation preserves the freshness and aromatics of the Prokupac and Tamjanika.
Terrain: Steep-sloped valley vineyards nestled at the foothills of the Željin, Kopaonik, and Goč mountains on sun-exposed southern slopes. Soil is a mix of limestone, slate, and marl. It differs from position to position, from 20-year-old vines on average
Farming: Organic farming, Certified Organic Estate
Vinification: Hand harvested; Spontaneous fermentation in open tanks with skin contact from 14-21 days. Manual punching down the skins two times a day. Fermentation without temperature control, followed by pressing, and natural sedimentation from yeasts by gravity. Decanted into 500L used Serbian oak barrels and aged for an additional 12 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulfur additions.
Tasting Notes: Known as “the king of the Župa region”, the Prokupac (proh-koo-pahtz) grape ruled the vineyards in the region for many centuries, and was sought after as the world’s great wines all around Europe, but for the past centuries, wine production was constrained or even forbidden. The Ivanović family preserved these vineyards and tradition in the remote hills of Aleksondravac, and is proud to bring the great Serbian indigenous variety back to prominence.
Ivan sustains this tradition and makes these wines in the traditional and natural way, capturing the full expression of the Župa valley. A beautiful nose of fresh cherries, forest berries, and black pepper on the nose, on the palate it is powerful, yet elegant – freshly structured with fine tannins. This wine begs for grilled red meat, or smoked sausage, or a cold evening by the wood stove. If you haven’t had Prokupac before, get ready for an exciting new discovery!
Winery Information
Ivanović Winery
The Prokupac (pro-koo-pahtz) grape has one of the richest histories in Serbia’s viticultural tradition, tracing back to medieval times and persevering through challenging periods of history that worked to suppress wine culture. But in the remote region of Aleksandrovac, amongst the steep hills and rocky terrain, Prokupac was preserved. Here, Ivan Ivanović continues the family's tradition of tending old vines of the indigenous varieties, Prokupac and Tamjanika, and making wines that many consider “Serbia’s finest”.