Stanušina
North Macedonia · Red · Limited (B)
The real indigenous prize. Cultivated since ancient times in the Tikveš region, which holds more than 250 of roughly 300 planted hectares; elsewhere it survives only as scattered individual vines. It exists in several biotypes — black, pink (sura) and reulava. It is found nowhere else in the world. Light in colour and tannin with high acidity, giving redcurrant, pomegranate, cherry and raspberry with good acidity and body. Made as pale red and, very successfully, as a salmon-toned rosé. It is a Slow Food Macedonia presidium, revived by wineries including Popova Kula, Eros, Naumchevi and Brushani. Exports are beginning.