Tikves Smederevka 2024

If you're drinking a North Macedonian white, chances are it's made from Smederevka. It's the country’s leading white grape takes and takes centre stage here along with a splash of Riesling which adds extra fragrance. Vinified in stainless steel to keep things fresh, it's bursting with tropical and stone fruit aromas, all underpinned by a streak of zesty citrus. Crisp, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, this is light, lively, easy enjoyment.

Perfect on its own, but spot-on with light seafood like grilled prawns or lemony calamari, or a crisp summer salad. Its fresh citrus and bright fruit keep everything lively and refreshing.

For years, Tikves Winery was all about quantity over quality - thanks to its time nationalised in General Tito's Yugoslavia, when the priority was mass-producing oceans of forgettable bulk wine. But since the mid-90s, with the re-emergence of private enterprise, it's been a different story. Still, probably, North Macedonia's biggest winery, Tikves has shifted gears. The focus is on native grape varieties and proving just how good they can be, from everyday bottles to serious, age-worthy wines. The 2018 purchase of the Rhône valley estate Château de Gourdon only reinforced its ambitions - more than just a local powerhouse, but a winery with international reach and expertise.