1 Korça 2000, Karnavalet Debina e Bardhë, Korcë 2022 91
korca2000.al From vines planted in the late 1960s, this wine shows a fresh, tight yet elegant structure with a mineral undertone. There are fragrant aromas of light acacia and citrus blossom with a bit of passion fruit and kumquat. Gentle acidity supports the fine fruit flavours that include passion fruit, lemon, lime, guava, mandarin, even yellow peach. A light oily texture adds a tropical accent. Drink 2023-2026 Alcohol 12.8%
2 Balaj, Plithure Trevllazer, Vlorë 2021 92
@balaj.artan This natural wine from 100% Shesh i Bardhë grapes spent three weeks on its skins, ultimately delivering exotic aromas of gunpowder, dried orange peel, bay leaf and light coffee bean with a hint of suede. Green tea and firm, gripping tannins coat the lively palate supported by a beautiful structure and elegant astringency. Dried apricot and light apple fruit on the finish. Delicious. Drink 2023-2027 Alc 13.5%
3 Belba, Papaz, Golemas, Kavajë 2017 94
@kantinabelba Named after a tiny bubbling mud pool near the vineyard, the Papaz weds an obscure Albanian grape, Kabjuro, with classic Bordeaux varieties. The elegant nose wafts with violets, cinnamon, blackcurrant leaf, blackberry fruit and toasted oak, while the juicy, structured palate delivers a lengthy mouthful of ripe blackberry and plum flavours, vibrant acidity and still youthful tannins. Drink 2023-2035 Alc 15%
Nurellari, Premium Serina, Berat 2019 94
nurellariwinery.com Made using the revived Serina variety, this is a sophisticated wine from grapes dried for nearly four weeks, aged in American oak. Fresh black cherry and blackberry-vanilla aromas, and a lush palate with notes of ripe cherry and boysenberry, hints of tobacco and spice. It has fabulous structure with lovely acidity, mouthfilling fruit, ripe tannins and finely integrated alcohol. A real discovery. Drink 2023-2032 Alc 15.5%
4 Duka, Reserva Superiore, Durrës 2020 93
kantinaduka.al From vineyards just 1km from the Adriatic, this luscious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo reflects the salty terroir that nurtured it. Gorgeous structure and concentration, with wonderful fruit and oak integration. Scents of lilac, violets and wisteria are joined by flavours of blackberry and cassis. Seductive on all fronts. Real personality! Drink 2023-2033 Alc 14.5%
Kallmeti, Kallmet Prestigj, Kallmet, Lezhë 2020 92
kantinakallmeti.com A fine Kallmet that has aromas of bay leaf and light coriander, and a slight hint of vanilla from the Hungarian oak. The palate opens gradually to red fruit notes – redcurrant, raspberry, cherry – then complexity kicks i
