Udha 2018 - 13,5% vol. - UKA Winery

Udha 2018 by UKA Winery is a red blend that stands out of the crowd and carries the spirit of Albania's wine-growing regions. It takes its name, which in Albanian means "road," from connecting various vineyards around the country, assembling in one bottle all the richness of Albania's winemaking tradition.
This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Kallmet, and Shesh i Zi all coming together to produce a harmonious and well-balanced wine. Each of the varietals hails from organic vineyards spread all over Albania and brings a taste representative of the country's diverse terroirs.

Aromas and Flavour Profile

Ruby-red colored, in the glass, this wine exudes bold aromas of dark berries, laced with spices and cedar, with a subtle nuance of oak aging. Full-bodied, with silky tannins, it persists to a lingering finish. Blended with international varieties, the native gives Udha a particular character, balancing the earthy entity of Kallmet and Shesh i Zi with the fruit-forward nature of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Production Method

The grapes come from organic vineyards. They are handpicked and moved to the cellar in 20kg crates. Cryo-maceration for 48 hours improves flavour extraction. Fermentation, at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, takes 8 to 12 days. Afterwards, it is aged in oak barrels of 500 liters for 8 months before finally aging 1 year in a bottle, insuring a refined and structured wine.

Food Pairing Suggestions and Serving Temperature

Served at 14-16°C, it pairs exquisitely with Udha 2018, grilled red meats, game dishes, and aged cheeses. Full-bodied with a suave finish, it turns out to be an apt partner for rich courses on its own.