Prokupac

Prokupac holds the title of Serbia's oldest authentic grape variety, alongside Tamjanika. Its earliest written mention appears in the Studenica Charter of 1196, placing it among the most historically documented indigenous varieties in the Balkans. For centuries it formed the backbone of Serbian viticulture, reaching a peak of 60% of all Serbian vineyard area in the 1970s. The post-World War II era brought a dramatic shift toward international varieties, and Prokupac fell into serious decline. A revival began in the 1980s and 1990s, led by visionary winemakers in the Župa region, and accelerated from the 2000s onward with a new generation committed to quality-focused production. Multiple gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards in recent years confirm the grape's comeback on the international stage.

• Documented in the Studenica Charter of 1196, over 1,000 years of continuous cultivation
• Known as the 'pride of Serbia' alongside Tamjanika as the country's oldest authentic variety
• Revival from the 1980s onward rescued the variety from near extinction
• A dedicated Riedel wine glass has been designed specifically for Prokupac

Prokupac thrives across several of Serbia's most important wine regions, including Three Moravas, Župa, Toplica, Šumadija, and Leskovac. The variety is well suited to Serbia's temperate continental climate, capable of surviving temperatures down to -18°C. Long, sunny autumns provide ideal conditions for this late-ripening variety to achieve full maturity. Best results come from dry, well-drained, loose, rocky-gravelly soils with moderate fertility, including vertisol, eutric cambisol, and sandy soil types. Prokupac currently represents approximately 5% of Serbian vineyard area, with 338 hectares in production and another 170 hectares of young vines in development.

• Key regions include Župa, Three Moravas, Toplica, Šumadija, and Leskovac
• Tolerates cold continental conditions down to -18°C
• Late-ripening variety that depends on long, sunny autumns for full ripeness
• Prefers rocky-gravelly, well-drained soils with moderate fertility

Prokupac is a vigorous vine traditionally trained as head-trained bush vines, known locally as župski kondir, though trellis systems are increasingly adopted in modern plantings. The thick-skinned berries resist botrytis bunch rot, an advantage in wetter harvest conditions. Must acidity runs at 6-7 g/L, giving the wines structure and freshness. To produce the characteristic dark rosé style called Ružica, harvested grapes are traditionally left unpressed for 24 hours. In the winery, Prokupac is made across a spectrum from light, fruity styles to complex oak-aged expressions. It is also frequently blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and other international varieties. Tannins are naturally expressive and reward careful cellaring management.

• Traditionally trained as head-trained bush vines (župski kondir)
• Must sugar of 18-22% yields high alcohol potential of 13-16%
• Traditional Ružica rosé production involves leaving grapes unpressed for 24 hours
• Capable of aging 20 or more years, developing earthy and dried herb notes

Prokupac received Protected Designation of Origin status in 2009, formally recognizing its status as an indigenous autochthonous variety tied to Serbian terroir. The grape has earned multiple gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards in recent years, placing Serbia on the international fine wine map. International Prokupac Day, celebrated on October 14th, further underscores the grape's role as a symbol of Serbian wine culture. A bespoke Riedel wine glass designed for Prokupac speaks to the level of serious attention the variety now commands globally.

• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status granted in 2009
• Multiple Decanter World Wine Award gold medals in recent years
• International Prokupac Day celebrated annually on October 14th
• Dedicated Prokupac Riedel wine glass released as part of growing global recognition