Belba Winery, Golem: Shesh i Zi and Shesh i Bardhë From a Family Cellar
Golem, Kavajë
The Belba brothers learned their craft in Tuscany, where Fatbardh worked in wineries for more than 20 years. When they came home, they opened their own winery in Golem, a village on the coast near Kavajë, and the whole family works in it, immediate and extended alike. We started working with them in 2023.
"The most beautiful grape in the world."
Fatbardh Belba, on Shesh i Zi
Golem sits in the center of the country, where most of Albania's Shesh grapes grow, and Belba makes only Albanian wine, from native grapes. Their Shesh i Bardhë and Shesh i Zi are made in small quantities, and both are among the best we have tasted. Decanter has called Belba one of the leading Shesh producers in Albania.
Fatbardh picks his Shesh i Zi in mid to late October, once the grapes are fully ripe, and ages it mostly in used barrels. What you get is ripe cherry, moderate acidity, and a wine that is easy to drink with food.
At a Glance
Golem, Kavajë · The Belba family · Shesh i Bardhë, Shesh i Zi · With Me Zemër since 2023
Where to Start
The Shesh i Zi, the grape Fatbardh loves most.