Did you know Albania has thousands of years of experience producing wine?
Known for its beautiful rolling hills full of vineyards and verdant countryside, Albania is emerging as a top wine destination in Southern Europe. Its favorable topography and plenty of sunlight make this tiny country along the Mediterranean an ideal spot for cultivating grapes.
Ancient grape seeds have been uncovered in these lands, and today, Albania’s winemaking industry is seeing a viticulture renaissance. More and more locals are turning to winemaking as a means of supporting themselves, reviving ancient methods of wine production. Many young Albanians are also returning home from studying in Spain, France, Greece and Italy, bringing back expertise and experience from these countries to their home country.
Without further ado, here are five local Albanian wines you should try on your trip to Tirana. Many of these varieties are autochthonous Albanian wines, meaning the grapes are from and grown exclusively here!
1. Pulsi – Berat
- Overview: This is a distinctive white wine from the Nurellari Winery, located in the Berat region. This beautiful area of Albania has been compared to Tuscany since its home to similar hilly landscapes and moderate winters that make it the perfect incubator for grapegrowing throughout the year.
- Tasting Notes: This wine sports a bright yellowish-straw color, providing a strong yet subtle citrusy flavor and the aromatic scent of fresh flowers, with ripe apple fruit and notes of peach and pear.
- Acidity Profile: With a slightly acidic profile, Pulsi adds a refreshing quality, making it a perfect wine to pair with fresh fruit, fish and light dishes.
2. Shesh i Bardhë – Lundër
- Overview: Shesh i Bardhë, which means “White Field” in Albanian, is a traditional Albanian white wine. This vintage hails from a bit closer to home, coming from the lush hills of Albania’s renowned Lundra region near Tirana, from a winery called Kantina Lundra.
- Tasting Notes: This wine packs a medium to high body, pleasant mineral tastes and a fresh drinking experience, with light fruity aromas of pear, peach, apricot, lemon and pineapple. This wine has a very balanced and smooth taste, perfect as an aperitif or paired with seafood and low-fat cheeses.
3. Lyhnid Caco
- Overview: Lyhnid i Bardhë 2021 is a delicious white wine from Caco Winery, a premier vineyard located next to Lake Ohrid. The wine’s name is derived from the lake’s original, ancient name. The grapes produced at this winery are influenced by the cool and refreshing microclimate of Lake Ohrid, believed to be one of the oldest and most biodiverse lakes in Europe.
- Grape Varieties: A blend of Muskat, Riesling, and Tokai, this wine features aromas of citrus and white flowers, with a crisp, refreshing finish. It’s best to get your hands on this vintage quickly, as it has a limited production of just 10,000 bottles, emphasizing its premium quality and terroir expression.
- Pairing Suggestions: Ideal with seafood, white meats and fresh salads.
4. Max Mavrud
- Overview: Mavrud is a deep, ruby-red wine variety known for its depth and complexity. Its rich, full-bodied profile has hints of dark fruit flavors and a robust structure. This is more of a premium wine that gets often praised for its exceptional quality.
- Pairing Suggestions: This wine is excellent with local grilled meats, aged cheeses or hearty pasta dishes.
5. Kallmet
- Overview: Kallmet is an ancient Albanian red wine variety cultivated primarily in the regions of Lezhë and Shkodër. Known for its deep ruby color and intense bouquet, this wine offers a full-bodied and easy-to-drink experience. The region of where this winery is located is known as an ancient winemaking area, with hilly areas perfect for cultivating both grapes and olives.
- Pairing Suggestions: This hearty red wine is another classic that goes great with roasted meats, game and flavorful cheeses.
Where to Try Local Albanian Wine in Tirana?
Albanian Night also hosts an acoustic night every other weekend, where we play acoustic versions of traditional Albanian songs and put out local Albanian wines for people to try. This initiative raises awareness around Albania’s ancient winemaking traditions and supports local winemakers, all while promoting our intangible cultural heritage via song.
Don’t simply come to Albania – experience our beautiful country through the variety of local wines and products she has to offer! Albanian Night is proud to serve these wines at our show every night and at the acoustic event every other weekend. Book your show tickets today or get in touch with us on WhatsApp to book your spot at the next wine tasting event.
