Vranec is the principal indigenous red grape variety in Macedonia and an offspring of Kratosija (aka Zinfandel). With a tendency for darkly colored wines, bright blackberry, and blackcurrant flavors, Vranec from Macedonia is famous throughout the Balkans. At Tikves, their Vranec comes from vineyards planted at an elevation of 300-500 meters above sea level, where cool breezes moderate temperatures. Fermentation occurs in large concrete vats, followed by aging in mostly neutral French oak barrels.