• Ceruja 2018 - Limited Edition - 12,5% vol. - Cantina UKA - Me Zemër - Uka - Me Zemër
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Uka

Ceruja 2018- Limited Edition- 12,5% vol. - UKA Winery

Ceruja 2018- Limited Edition- 12,5% vol. - UKA Winery

£41.50 GBP
£41.50 GBP
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Taxes included.
  • mezemer icon product
    year
     2018
  • mezemer icon product
    country
     Albania
  • mezemer icon product
    format
     750ml
  • mezemer icon product
    grape variety
     Ceruja
  • mezemer icon product
    alcohol
     12.5% vol
  • mezemer icon product
    allergens
     Sulfites
  • mezemer icon product
    type
     White wine
  • mezemer icon product
    Production hectare
     50-100 kg per plant. Wild pergola-trained vines
  • mezemer icon product
    number bottles
     5000
  • mezemer icon product
    temperature
     12°C
  • mezemer icon product
    location
     Klos Village, Mat District
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    Description

    Cëruja 2018 is an incredible Albanian white wine produced by UKA Winery from old, ungrafted Cëruja vines, some of which are over 100 years old. Growing wild at the most isolated area of Mat in Albania, these vines have not been tampered with through modern farming practices, chemicals, or human activity. Thus, Cëruja 2018 from UKA Winery is the only product of this type of wine and, as such, one of the highly sought-after wines for all who appreciate authenticity and heritage in a glass. This is a limited-edition wine that will preserve the tradition and character of Albanian untouched landscapes, fully embodying natural viticulture.

    Aromas and Flavor Profile

    The pale greenish hue that Cëruja 2018 first unravels with is so appealing and presents varietal aromas of apple, pear, citrus, and more-subtle hints of vanilla, strawberry, and hazelnut. Aged for a year, this wine becomes full-bodied with a creamy texture and enhances the fruitiness accent. The long, well-balanced finish develops an extremely complex tasting experience of fresh fruit and gentle flower shades, diving one really deep into the rich history of Albanian winemaking.

    Production Method

    The Cëruja grapes grow on wild vines in their natural form-a true rarity among the wines of today. Grapes are picked by hand and carefully selected, then immediately cryo-macerated for 24 hours to preserve freshness and natural aromas. The fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures takes 12 to 15 days, after which the wine is kept in the same stainless steel tanks for a year, as it needs time to develop its complex flavors.

    Pairing Suggestions and Serving Temperature

    This wine is magnificently paired with the most delicate courses, such as foie gras, truffle cheese, oysters, and caviar. It elevates any evening into a very special experience. For full expression of its vibrant flavors, the wine should be served chilled at 8-12°C. With a well-structured body and a fresh, fruity profile, it is also quite versatile in the company of a variety of high-class cuisine.

    Aging Potential

    Surprisingly enough, Cëruja 2018 boasts an ageing potential not too different from red wines; it further improves in complexity and depth with each passing year under proper storage conditions.

    About the producer

    Uka

    Uka Winery is located in the center of Albania in the rural areas of the capital Tirana. It was established in 2005, founded by Flori Uka (winemaker), the first generation of the family in wine production. After 5 years of working in different wineries in Friuli/Veneto and 2 years of studying at the University of Udine and Conegliano in Enology, Flori returned to Albania to follow his dream of rediscovering Albania's wine values. Albania is rich in indigenous varieties and viticultural history. A history suppressed by the Ottomans and the dictatorship system. Today the new generation of winemakers is discovering the true values of this map unknown to the rest of the world. In Albania almost every rural family grows grapes. In several areas indigenous varieties are grown that have existed for hundreds of years. The vision of the Uka winery is to collect these grapes from different families throughout Albania to take the maximum potential of the same varieties. Following a cooperative-like system, Flori works with nearly 200 families throughout Albania who have indigenous grape varieties with an area of less than 1 hectare. Thus it is possible to search for the true potential of the terroir to express the maximum of our values in the wine. The purpose of the winery is to create a database of indigenous areas and varieties that are expressed to the fullest in our wines. We see our winery as a future wine museum where winelovers from around the world can come and taste Albania in a glass.

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