Deurić Winery

A juicy taste of Serbia's Fruška Gora region

Winemaker Mirko Niškanović and me at Deurić Winery, November 2023

Deurić Winery – located near the village of Mala Remeta on the sunny, southern slopes of the Fruška Gora region of Serbia – has a philosophy – “From grapes we draw the best that nature has given us.”

Deurić honors the authenticity and natural conditions of terroir – climate, soil, winegrowing, and winemaking. In the cellar, winemaker Mirko Niškanović and his team combine Serbian traditions and state-of-the art technology to craft some of the country’s finest wines, including native varieties like Morava and Probus and international varieties like Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Below are a few of my favorites to whet your appetite for Serbian wines.

The NIKO selection of Deurić Pét-Nats at Wine Vision by Open Balkan, November 2023

Deurić Pannonian Treasure Sauvignon Pét-Nat 2022
You've struck gold with this sparkling Sauvignon!
Mirko created this Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat) – a sparkling, skin-contact Sauvignon Blanc made in the ‘Méthode Ancestrale' (bottling the wine during fermentation where it finishes, creating natural bubbles) – especially for the NIKO label in the United Kingdom. Its fine effervescence adds extra zip and zing to the Sauvignon's juicy flavors like lemon and lime – plus a sprinkling of herbal and savory spice. Serve this as an apéritif or alongside fresh green salads, sashimi, charcuterie, and triple-cream cheeses.

Deurić Pannonian Marmalade Orange Wine 2017, Srem, Serbia
Here's the 'skin'-ny on this Chardonnay
A Deurić Pét-Nat made just for the NIKO brand, trust us when we say this isn't your grandmother's Chardonnay – quite the opposite. Left to ferment on the skins, then aged 10 months in barrel on the lees, this Chardonnay captures not only a marmalade-like orange hue but also marmalade, apricot, and nutty flavors – all ramped up with a mouthfilling, textured palate. 'Orange' you jealous? If so, get some and pair this with friends, charcuterie, nutty cheeses like Comté, even roasted meats and veggies.

Deurić Severna Morava at the winery’s restaurant, November 2023

Deurić Severna Morava 2022
This white is like a breath of fresh air
Mirko’s Morava – a native Serbian variety – has everything you want in a white. It's layered with bright fruit aromas and flavors like zesty citrus, crisp apple, and juicy peach capped off by a vibrant, persistent finish. A wine this lively calls for pairings like fresh green salads with creamy dressings, marinated white fish dishes, or traditional Serbian gibanica (a cottage cheese and egg pastry).

Tasted November 2023 with Vinarija Deurić at Wine Vision by Open Balkan.

Wine notes originally written for UK importer and retailer Danube Wines.