MWC Tasting notes
Bovin Winery,
12 February 2009 at Restaurant Imes.

  1. St. Triphun -Italian Riesling 2008 This example of Italian Riesling is slightly different from the Riesling that we know from Mosel or Rheingau region, or any other German types of this variety. Due to the warmer Macedonian climate, this Riesling has higher residual sugar and higher percentage of alcohol (14%), which leads to more alcohol and semi sweet aromas and tastes. It has yellow colour with greenish undertones, and good clarity.Medium intensive aromas of nectarine, lemon zest, and dried figs. On a palate has a good structure even tough the high alcohol is blocking the taste buds, and in combination with aggressive tannins, (very unusually for white wine), dominates the fruitiness in the wine. I tried it on different temperatures in order to give the best chance to this Riesling, and the above mentioned impression was the same. However besides that alcoholic overpowering it develops good taste of grapefruit, lemon, and sweet tones of tropical fruit and on the after taste pleasant aromas of fried hazelnuts and pineapple.. Although, the last hot summer season partially justifies the high and undesirable level of alcohol for this variety, the impressions leads towards an average Riesling for good price.Recommended food: Goat cheese with green apples, or any medium fat cheese with hazelnuts, white chicken in combination with capers and olives, halibut in creamy citron sauce, or you can go with classic sea food risotto.

2. St. Triphun-Rose 2008 

A blend made of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, with very gentle, pale salmon pink colour and very good visibility. Very distinguished aromas of caramelized wild berries, roses, and orange zest. Light bodied, with very soft tannins on a palate, well develop aromas of strawberries, baked pineapple and ripe rosehips. On the after taste a hint of mango appears as a result of chardonnay presence. Served chilled on 9 C, it is very refreshing and crispy, approachable, casual, and light fruity. A good companion for hot summer days and wonderful mood.Recommended food: Camembert, or other cow’s cheese, caviar on crackers with dill, fruit jelly, strawberries cheese cake, cake with rosehip jam.

3.St.Triphun- Merlot, Vranec, Cabernet Franc 2008
 The blend of two international (Merlot 80%, Cabernet Franc 10%) and one indigenous variety (Vranec 10%), makes this wine an interesting and potentially successful one. Rubin red colour with excellent clarity and undertones of bright brick after long swirling. Plentiful rich aromas of caramel, burned cacao, ripe cherries and strawberries. On a palate, full presence of chocolate, ripe sour cherries, and caramel. Medium bodied with excellent balance between round tannins, alcohol and fruit. Medium lasting aftertaste, with hints of vanilla and jam. Merlot dominates with its softness and silkiness, Vranec gives a portion of its typical tannins and body, and Cabernet Franc upgrades the depth and complexity of this wine. Still young but with very good potential for bottle aging within 3- 4 years.

Recommended food: Parmesan with prunes, Porcini pate with basil, roasted pork, or beef with creamy sauce, and dark chocolate cake.                                                                                             

Aleksandar Vuckovski