The red grape variety comes from the Balkan region - probably Montenegro. Synonyms are Kratošija, Prhljavac, Varjusszoeloe, Vranac Crmnichki, Vranac Crni, Vranac Ornogorski, Vranac Prhljavac, Vranac Rehuljavi, Vranak, Vranatz, Vranatz Hrstacha, Vranec, Vranek, Vranetze and Vranik. This probably very old variety was already widely cultivated in the Middle Ages. It is probably identical with the Styrian variety Vranek described by Hermann Goethe (1837-1911) in his Ampelographic Dictionary published in 1878. However, the parentage (parenthood) is unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2004, a parent-offspring relationship exists with the variety Tribidrag (Crljenak Kaštelanski, Primitivo, Zinfandel). This is also the reason why Vranac is often confused with this mixed cultivar.
The medium ripening vine is resistant to both types of mildew, but is susceptible to botrytis and sensitive to frost. It produces deep red red wines rich in extract, tannin and alcohol, with aromas of black and red fruits with ageing potential, which are well suited for barrique ageing. The variety is widespread in the states of the former Yugoslavia. The largest population is in Northern Macedonia, where it is the most widespread with 9,500 hectares. Small quantities are found in Serbia (3 ha) and Hungary(0.2 ha). In 2016, a total of 9,503 hectares were designated (KymAndsersonAnderson Kym).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)
