Wine Variety: Smederevka is the most widely planted white variety in the Republic of Macedonia, but it seems likely that its origins are in Bulgaria, where there is some genetic diversity. A legend that it was brought to Bulgaria from Egypt by the crusaders is likely to be no more than that: a legend.

Wine Region: The Republic of Macedonia is a landlocked country that used to be part of Yugoslavia. Indeed, greater Macedonia also covered parts of Greece and Bulgaria, too. The Greeks still dispute the use of the name. 85% of the country's vineyard area is within the central River Vardar valley; 41% in Tikves, from where comes this wine. It is now thought that this region is the cradle of global wine production. Recent investment has given rise to a resurgence of quality in the Republic of Macedonia.

Wine Producer: Tikves Winery opened its doors 130 years ago and is apparently the largest and oldest winery in south-east Europe. Bought in 2003 by the Texas-based M6 Investment Group, Tikves has been the beneficiary of €30M of new investment and is now a fully modernised winery.