Serbian Grapes
Prokupac
Prokupac is an ancient red wine grape native to Serbia, widely celebrated as the "King of Župa" and the flagship variety of Serbian viticulture.
This thick-skinned, resilient grape dates back to at least the Middle Ages. It is currently experiencing a massive modern renaissance.
Winemakers use it to make everything from deeply colored rosés to elegant, age-worthy red wines that are frequently compared to a blend of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
In the Vineyard
Prokupac is a favorite among grape growers because it is incredibly stubborn and hardy:
- Weather Resistant
Prokupac easily survives bitter winter frosts and can withstand temperatures down to -18°C (0.4°F). - Vigorous Grower
The vines grow quickly and adapt well to poor, rocky, and skeletal soils. - Thick Skins
Its thick dark-blue skin protects it naturally against certain vineyard diseases like botrytis bunch rot. - Late Ripener
Prokupac requires plenty of autumn sunshine and is usually harvested late in October.
Flavor and Wine Styles
When you drink a Prokupac wine, you will taste a balance of bright fruit and earthy spice. Winemakers treat it in three main ways:
- 1. Elegant Reds
As a red wine it has aromas of ripe Red Cherries, Wild Berries, and Dark Plum. As it ages in oak, it develops complex notes of Black Pepper, Tobacco, Forest Floor, and Leather. - 2. Dark Rosés
Traditionally called Ružica, Prokupac is used to make a dark, deeply colored rosé. It bursts with flavors of wild strawberries and rose petals. - 3. Blends
Because it brings excellent structure and sugar to the table, it is often blended with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
Primary Flavors
 Raspberry |
 Red Cherry |
 Cherry |
 Wild Berries |
 Pomegranate |
 Plum |
 Herbs |
 Forest |
Flavors from Maturation and Aging
 Oak |
 Pepper |
 Leather |
 Tobacco |
Synonyms
Prokupac is also known under the synonyms Crnka, Darchin, Kamenicarka, Kamenilarka, Kamenitscharka, Majski Cornii, Negotinsko Crno, Nichevka, Nikodimka, Nisevka, Procoupatz, Procupac, Prokoupatz, Prokupats, Prokupatz, Prokupec, Prokupka, Rekavac, Rekovacka Crnka, Rskavac, Rskavats, Rskavaty, Scopsko Cherno, Skopsko Crno, Skopsko Tsrno, Tsrnina, Zachinok, Zaichin, Zarchin, Zarcin, Zartchin, Zartchine. (Wikipedia)