Ivanović Tamjanika
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 from multiple vineyard sites to achieve various levels of ripeness and balance. 1/3 of the grapes are macerated for 4 hours; Spontaneous fermentation in inox tanks with controlled temperature. Maturation on the lees until bottling for 8 months in inox tanks. 2gr sugar 6.5 acid.
Tasting Notes: The name says it all – with “tamjan” being the Serbian word for ‘incense’ – which shares the exceptional aromatics and spice that comes from the Tamjanika grape. Like its Mediterranean counterpart in Alsace, Tamjanika shares the same aromatic profile as Muscat a Petit Grain, but with a distinctly Balkan expression – being lighter, drier, more citrus forward, and in our humble opinion, more refreshing!
Ivan does a tremendous job of balancing the freshness in his Tamjanika by blending in a touch of Riesling for added acidity, and then utilizing multiple vineyards so that he can maintain balanced freshness and riper aromatics. On the nose, the glass pops with white flowers, tangerine and lime, and hints of spices and herbs, like cinnamon and basil. On the palate, it is bright and refreshing, with notes of white and yellow stone fruits and green apple.
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”.