Vinarija Citluk Vranac Vrhunsko

Vinarija Citluk Vranac Vrhunsko is a premium-quality 100% Vranac red wine from Bosnia and Herzegovina, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. "Vrhunsko" denotes a top-tier quality classification in Bosnian wine regulation, signaling this expression sits at the upper end of Vinarija Citluk's portfolio. The wine holds an 85/100 rating on Wine-Searcher and has earned recognition at international wine fairs including events in Mostar, Split, and Zagreb.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Čitluk, Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina  |  Varietal: 100% Vranac  |  Producer: Vinarija Citluk

Production & Heritage

Vinarija Citluk is the largest winery in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a storage and processing capacity of 110,000 hectoliters. Located in the Herzegovina region — a warm, Mediterranean-influenced area well suited to full-bodied red grape varieties — the winery employs modern equipment including cold maceration and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Selected lots are aged in oak barrique barrels, adding structure and subtle spice to the finished wine. The Vranac grape is indigenous to the western Balkans, and Herzegovina's limestone-rich soils and ample sunshine help the variety develop its characteristic depth of color and dark fruit concentration.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Medium-intensity ruby in the glass, the nose opens with sour cherry and red currants before moving into elderberry, rose hip, and ripe strawberry. There is a gentle floral lift that ties the red-fruit aromatics together.

Taste: The palate builds on those red-fruit impressions with layers of black cherry, blackberry, and black plum arriving at mid-palate. Light baking spices and a dried-strawberry sweetness emerge as the wine opens up. Acidity sits at a balanced medium level, and the tannins are notably soft, giving the wine an approachable, medium-bodied texture.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with lingering notes of licorice and dark chocolate. It trails off smoothly without astringency, leaving a clean, fruit-driven impression.

How to Drink Vranac Vrhunsko

This wine shows well at a slightly cool cellar temperature around 16–18°C (61–64°F), served in a standard Bordeaux-style glass to let the aromatics develop. It drinks comfortably on its own but also pairs naturally with food.

• Sangria: The dark berry core and moderate tannin make it an excellent base for a red sangria with stone fruit and citrus.
• Mulled Wine: Its baking-spice undertones and soft body respond well to warming spices like cinnamon and clove.
• Wine Spritzer: Mixed with sparkling water and a citrus twist, the juicy fruit character keeps the drink lively and refreshing.

Best For

• Exploring indigenous Balkan grape varieties beyond mainstream European wines
• Pairing with grilled meats at a summer cookout
• Introducing friends to Herzegovinian winemaking traditions
• Building a diverse collection of lesser-known European reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vranac Vrhunsko taste like? It is a medium-bodied red dominated by sour cherry, blackberry, and black plum, with soft tannins, light baking spice, and a finish that carries licorice and dark chocolate.

How does Vranac Vrhunsko compare to Plantaze Vranac Pro Corde? Both are 100% Vranac wines from the western Balkans, but Plantaze Pro Corde hails from Montenegro and tends toward a fuller, more extracted style. Vinarija Citluk's Vrhunsko leans slightly softer in tannin and emphasizes red-fruit freshness alongside its dark-fruit core.

Is Vranac Vrhunsko good for everyday sipping? Yes — its moderate 13% ABV, soft tannins, and approachable fruit profile make it an easy-drinking red that does not demand extended decanting or pairing to enjoy.

Where is Vranac Vrhunsko made? It is produced by Vinarija Citluk in the town of Čitluk in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an area with a warm Mediterranean-influenced climate suited to red wine production.

What foods pair well with Vranac Vrhunsko? Grilled lamb or ćevapi (Balkan grilled meat) complement its smoky undertones; aged sheep's-milk cheese echoes its savory depth; roasted red peppers mirror the wine's red-fruit character; and dark-chocolate desserts align with its cocoa-tinged finish.

What sizes does Vranac Vrhunsko come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle; other sizes have not been widely documented for this specific expression.

Is Vranac Vrhunsko worth the price? It positions as a mid-range expression within the Balkan wine category, offering a quality-classified ("Vrhunsko") wine from the region's largest producer at a price point that undercuts many Western European reds of comparable complexity.

Why Vranac Vrhunsko?

Vranac is one of the most important indigenous red grapes of the western Balkans, yet it remains largely undiscovered outside the region. Vinarija Citluk, as Bosnia and Herzegovina's largest winery with over a century of winemaking heritage in Čitluk, brings serious scale and modern technology — cold maceration, stainless steel fermentation, barrique aging — to a grape that can be rustic in lesser hands. The "Vrhunsko" designation ensures this bottling meets the highest domestic quality classification, and its 85/100 Wine-Searcher rating reflects consistent, well-made character. For anyone seeking authentic Balkan terroir expressed through a polished, food-friendly red, this wine delivers genuine regional identity at a competitive price.