FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Wines Of Montenegro

Aug 1, 2014
2014 / July 2014

At least 53 of the world’s countries make wine. But even that list, extensive though it is, does not mention Montenegro. A small country (population 600,000) with Europe’s largest continuous vineyard (5,700 acres), Montenegro, under the brand name Plantaže, exports to 35 countries, including the United States. And while its vineyards also grow Cabernet Sauvignon and other Western European varieties, it takes particular pride in wines made from its native red grape, Vranac. About 70 percent of its vineyards are planted in red grapes; of those, 70 percent are Vranac.

To understand Vranac, think of Zinfandel. That grape was brought to California from southern Italy, where it is called Primitivo, in the mid-1800s. In turn, Primitivo landed in southern Italy via Croatia, which lies across the Adriatic Sea from Italy; its Croatian name is Crljenak. And Croatia lies just north of Montenegro. Vranac may not be Zinfandel, but it is considered a close cousin.

And it is a perfect wine for summer barbecues. Vranac’s color tends to be ink-deep, its flavors reminiscent of black cherries and black currants. Its body is dense, and it shows hints of spice and vanilla. A sturdy wine that lives up to the meaning of its name, Black Stallion.

Among white grapes, Montenegro favors its native Krstač. The grape’s clusters grow in a shape similar to a cross, hence the name krstač, or “cross.” Krstač produces a pale-yellow, delicately perfumed, medium-bodied, dry, flavorful wine — a fine accompaniment to fish dishes, light meats and mild cheese.

Montenegro’s Chardonnay makes a full-bodied wine and has its own individual flavor. Cabernet Sauvignon, there labeled simply Cabernet, is dark-shaded, medium-full with a deep, earthy aroma, while Merlot is even deeper in color, a well-made, vigorous red that will stand up to whatever meats you have on the grill.

The price of these wines adds to their summer appeal. Most sell for $10 to $12 a bottle. Those with “Barrique” in their names, meaning aged in wood, cost about $25.

Montenegro was part of Yugoslavia after World War I and later in a union with Serbia until it voted for independence in 2006.

As its native wines show, it can certainly hold its own.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 21, 2023

Salem, Massachusetts, Announces 2023 Festival Schedule

The town of Salem, Massachusetts, may get a lot of attention come October and Halloween, but this year-round destination offers a full schedule of festivals perfect for any season.

Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win

Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!

Daily
Mar 21, 2023

4 Lesser-Known Museums to Add to Your Madrid Trip

With some of the world’s most iconic artists hailing from Spain, narrowing down which museum to visit when in Madrid can be challenging. Often, the fun of visiting a museum goes away when feeling pressured to see absolutely every famous work of art in a museum. Instead of venturing to one of Madrid’s larger and more well-known museums, choose one of these lesser-known museums for an equally enriching (and less-crowded) experience:

Daily
Mar 21, 2023

7 Hotels Prepare to Celebrate the Coronation in London, Ireland, Scotland

The coronation of King Charles III will be held Saturday, May 6, and seven hotels around London, Ireland and Scotland will get in on the festivities with different offers and amenities.

Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler

Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler

Daily
Mar 20, 2023

Luxury La Casa del Playa, Riviera Maya, Opens Estero Restaurant to Guests, Area Visitors

The 2-year-old La Casa de la Playa, an exclusive, award-winning luxury boutique hotel by Grupo Xcaret, recently announced the opening of its signature Estero restaurant to the general public.

Daily
Mar 16, 2023

Wellness, Wildlife & Scenery at Alaska’s Tutka Bay Lodge

Within the Wild Adventure Company, a transformative adventure company in Alaska, ushers in a new vision for its hospitality offerings. Celebrating 40 years in south-central Alaska, with founders Carl and Kirsten Dixon at the helm, the mutigeneration-run company now focuses on a series of new adventure and wellness programs at its Tutka Bay Lodge, including the addition of a luxury-focused collection of hospitality services to add to its already outstanding reputation in Alaska.

Portuguese Pleasures

Europe is more fun with a Portugal Stopover.