With over 10,000 different grape varieties grown worldwide, Vranec/Vranac might be one you’ve not yet heard of, but this red grape variety is one that has started to gain international recognition beyond its native borders.
Vranec finds its roots in the Balkan Peninsula, primarily in Montenegro where it accounts for more than half of all vineyard plantings, as well as parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Croatia and Serbia. The name ‘Vranec’ roughly translates to ‘strong black’, a fitting tribute to its darkly-coloured grapes and powerful wine character.
Typically produced varietally, Vranec wines are deep red in colour, full in body and rich taste, ranging in flavours from cherry and blackcurrant to herbs and oak-derived chocolatey notes.
Due to the berries’ high sugar content, Vranec wines are typically high in alcohol, adding to the wines’ body, and balanced by high tannins and pleasant acidity. These structural qualities make it ideal for oak and bottle ageing.
Scroll down to discover 8 award-winning Vranec dominant wines from DWWA 2025
At Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2025, one Vranec was awarded a Gold medal and 95 points, coming from Čemovsko in Montenegro. Plantaže, Pro Corde Vrana 2021, a 100% Vranac, was highly awarded by the judges for its bright blueberry and blue plum fruit and its long peppery finish. Montenegro received five more Silver and two Bronze medals for Vranec-blend wines.
From North Macedonia, 11 Silver medals were awarded at the 2025 competition. Tikves winery received several recognitions, with their Luda Mara Red Cuvée 2022 receiving a high Silver (94 points) and distinguished for its wild blackcurrant and bilberry aromas and mineral finish.
To familiarise yourself with benchmark examples of Vranec, below discover a selection of awarded Vranec dominant blends from DWWA 2025. Search more results at awards.decanter.com
World Vranec Day: DWWA-winning wines to try
Montenegro
Plantaže, Pro Corde, Čemovsko 2021
Gold, 95 points
Bright blackberry, blue plum and strawberry fruit cascades across the nose and winds fervently around the supple grainy tannins, vivid acidity and long peppery finish. Alcohol 14%
Plantaže, Barrique, Čemovsko 2021
Silver, 93 points
Meaty and smoky character followed by black fruit aromas and spicy notes. Refreshing acidity, well defined and focused palate. Alc 14.5%
Kekovic Estate, Podgorica 2022
Silver, 92 points
Nicely developed smoky and black fruity notes. with slight herbal nuances. Juicy and layered palate, warm and long. Alc 14%
Patrimonio, Prizor, Podgorica 2021
Silver, 90 points
Quite herbal with plenty of well integrated lavish oak and some earthy and savoury lift. Full bodied, with firm tannins. Alc 15%
North Macedonia
Tikveš, Luda Mara Red Cuvée, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2022
Silver, 94 points
Wild blackcurrant and bilberry aromas with a touch of spicy oak and generous chocolate notes. Peppery palate, with a mineral finish. Alc 14.6%
Tikveš, Alexandria, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2023
Silver, 92 points
The nose shows balsamic notes with herbal and spicy undertones, touches of violets and vanilla. Mouth filling, with firm grainy tannins. Alc 14.6%
Stobi Winery, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2020
Silver, 91 points
Blackcurrant leaf aromas and graphite make for an enticing nose. Warm and full bodied on the palate, toasty finish. Alc 14.5%
Monteko, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2023
Silver, 90 points
Juicy raspberry and strawberry aromas with hints of smoke on the nose. Robust tannins, with a lovely fruit purity. Alc 15%
