Prokupac – The Grape of Serbia
October 14th International Prokupac Day (grape of Serbia) #ProkupacDay
Prokupac has been the dominant red grape in Serbia since the Middle Ages.
Named for Saint Procopius, it was the grape of the vineyards planted around the city of Prokuplje.
Most of the old vineyards for this grape are located in South Serbia, in the Zupa region. Here, they kept this ancient grape alive. Some of the vines in this region are over 100 years old.
These are typically easy-drinking wines, traditionally meant to be enjoyed young. Of course, now, winemakers produce this wine in a variety of styles, from light reds to deeper reds aged in oak or rosé in various saturations. They make Blanc du Noir (a white version without skin contact), some appassimento-style wines with dried grapes, and some sweet wines made with botrytized grapes.
Prokupac – aromas, flavors and pairings
The aromas of these wines run the cherry, plum, currant, and blackberry route with spice. Often tannic when young, the tannins soften with age.
What to pair…
Try it with a typical Serbian dish, venison Pörkölt (a goulash), cevapi (minced meat sausages), or lamb with sweet onions.
Of course, these can be difficult to source. But asking for a wine is the best way to get it into your market! If wine shops see it is on their customers’ radar, they will look for it and stock it!
Winesofa, has a great article on this grape! Check it out http://www.winesofa.eu/articles/what-is-prokupac
Robin Renken is a wine writer and Certified Specialist of Wine and WSET 3 Certified. She and her husband Michael travel to wine regions interviewing vineyard owners and winemakers and learning the stories behind the glass.
When not traveling they indulge in cooking and pairing wines with food at home in Las Vegas.
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