Tenuta Est Stara Ružica
Winery: Tenuta Est
Varietals: Field Blend (Prokupac, Blaufränkisch, Zacinjak, Vranac, Crna tamjanika, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay Riesling)
Appellation: Rogljevo-Rajac, Negotin Valley, Timok Region, Serbia
Density & Yield: 4.500 vines/ha, 1 kg/vine
Annual Production: 1,200 bottles
Alcohol: 13.5%
Climate: Continental: Hot summers, and cold/mild winters. In recent years, temperatures have fluctuated significantly, with summers growing drier and winters experiencing less snow but more rainfall.
Terrain: The vineyards are positioned 150 meters above sea level, south-facing and there are located 2 km from the Timok River. The soil is very different from one vineyard to another but mainly it is a mixture of clay, sand and silt, with some limestone.
Farming: Practicing Organic: viticulture with no irrigation and no herbicide.
Vinification: All varietals harvested by hand together in mid-September, with direct pressing and fermentation together using indigenous yeasts. Aged on lees for 10 months in a stainless steel tank without clarification and filtration before bottling.
Tasting Notes: Stara Ružica, which means ‘old rose’ in Serbian - made as traditional darker rose styles and traditional field blend, but in this case, a coferment of red and white grapes all from one mixed vineyard site.
Glowing garnet in the glass, the wine is light and balanced like a delicate red, notes popping on the nose like vibrant dried cherry, eucalyptus, and rose hips. The wide variety blend gives the wine a fruity palate, with notes that recall wild raspberry, cranberry, white rose, and a touch of balsamic spice.
The woman on the label is Čučuk Stana, is a legendary figure from regional history, whom Marko chose to adorn his labels to represent the deep history of Negotinska krajina region, where the wines are produced. Her image, accompanied by a bird, plants, and weapons, symbolizes the region’s flora, fauna, and historical battles, reflecting her courage and connection to the First Serbian Uprising.
Winery Information
Tenuta Est
Tenuta Est is an exciting small winery located in the far eastern reaches of Serbia. It was established and is run by the young and talented winemaker, Marko Obradović, whose remarkable journey through Italy and France led him to this remote, historic winemaking region in Serbia. Marko took on the challenge of taking part in reviving this ancient winemaking tradition and helping bring new life to this region with deep roots in viticulture.