Komovica is a type of pomace brandy that is produced in the Balkans. It is distilled from fermented pomace—solid components of grapes that are left after the juice has been pressed. The resulting drink is a potent, clear, and colorless spirit.
After distillation, the spirit is usually aged to attain smoother and more mellow character. Komovica can be enjoyed on its own, but it is also often used as a base for other types of rakija—signature spirit from the Balkans—and various types of liqueurs and macerates.
Crna Tamjanika is a red grape cultivated in Serbia that is mainly associated with Negotin and Fruška gora. The origin of the grape has not yet been identified, but it is either closely related or identical to Rosenmuskateller, an aromatic grape native to Austria that is also cultivated in Italy (Moscato Rosa) and Croatia (Muškat Ruža).
Crna Tamjanika is a finicky, low-yielding grape with functional female flowers. Because of its characteristics, it was scarcely cultivated in Serbia after phylloxera. Several winemakers recently reintroduced it as a red variety that has excellent potential to produce dry and dessert wines.
Rakija is a universal term used for various fruit brandies produced in several Balkan countries (Southeast Europe). This strong spirit is distilled from different fruit and is sometimes additionally flavored or used as a liqueur base. The most common versions are made from plums (šljivovica), Williams pear (viljamovka), quinces (dunjevača), apricots (kajsijevača), apples (jabukovača), grapes (lozovača/komovica), and many more.
Rakija has present in the region for centuries. It is mainly associated with Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Although fruit brandies are produced in other European countries and regions, in the Balkans, rakija is a household name and has a large following among all generations.
VARIATIONS OF Rakija
Prokupac is a native Serbian grape cultivated in several Serbian wine regions, while the best examples come from Župa. It was once a prominent variety in Serbian vineyards, mostly used for unimpressive mass-produced wines. In the last few decades, local winemakers proved that with the right approach, Prokupac creates well-structured wines with good aromatic complexity.
Prokupac can vary in style, from fruity red wines to heavier oak-aged examples, but it mainly produces light-colored wines with medium body and medium alcohol. The wines have fruity aromas reminiscent of raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, and cherries.
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