We are very excited to introduce you to an incredible female winemaker in Serbia!

The story of Vinarija Dalia

The story of Vinarija Dalia is a great one; One of the rebirth of ancient and forgotten Serbian wine regions and the journey of a young woman winemaker returning home and sparking a renaissance for authentic wines in her home. The young winemaker Kristina Lukić at Vinarija Dalia, started learning how to make wine in Italy. After completing her studies in viticulture and oenology at the University of Udine, during which she completed her first two harvests in Sardinia and in Beaujolais, she started her journey around the world to enrich her cultural and professional knowledge.

Terrain:

South facing and 2 km from the Timok River. The soil is a mixture of clay, sand and silt, with a high amount of hummus. The vineyards are positioned on 150-200 meters in elevation, with an average of 265 sunny days a year. The strong day-night temperature variations allow an excellent technological and phenolic maturation of the grapes.

Climate:

Continental with hot dry summers and harsh winters, even though in the last three years has been experienced considerable increases in temperature and increasingly mild winters; the temperature often reaches 40 degrees in the shade.

Farming:

Organically farmed, in conversion since 2021.

Appellation:

Rogljevo-Rajac, Negotin Valley, Timok Region, Serbia 

Source: https://www.vinumusa.com/wineries/dalia 

Dalia Splet Dry Red 2022: 

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the website)

Varietal Composition: Welshriesling 60%, Silvaner 20%, Sauvignon 20% Ritoznoj, Lower Styria (Štajerska), Slovenia

Location: Rogljevo-Rajac, Negotin Valley, Timok Region, Serbia

Specialty Factor: Only 192 Cases Produced

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar until up to three more years

Tasting Notes from the Winemaker

Splet captures a wine of cultures and terroir intertwined. Combining Kristina’s experience and fondness for the wines of Beaujolais – and international varietals in the region (Gamay) – with the deep terroir of the Negotin Valley, and the indigenous grapes that thrive there (Vranac). It is a fruity wine with both elegance and intensity, showing a dark red-violet color. The bouquet is rich in earthy and stemmy notes, packed with deep red fruits such as dark cherry and raspberry. The body is deep but balanced, with silky balanced tannins and a lift of acidity behind the dark red fruit. The finish reveals delightful notes of liquorice, brambly red fruit, subtle cocoa nibs and a wonderful length.

Food Pairing

• Roast Pork Loin: Especially with a herb crust or a light apple glaze to complement the wine’s acidity and fruity undertones.
• Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Sauce: The tangy mustard highlights the wine’s herbaceous and fresh qualities.
• Grilled Chicken with Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or sage will echo the wine’s subtle herbal profile.
• Duck Breast with Berry Sauce: The wine’s acidity and fruity notes balance the richness of duck and the sweetness of the sauce.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice, lentils, or mushrooms, the wine’s brightness complements the hearty flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Eggplant, zucchini, or squash enhance the wine’s herbaceous and earthy notes.
• Grilled Salmon: The wine’s acidity and lighter body work well with rich fish dishes.
• Tuna Steak: A simple preparation with herbs and olive oil highlights the wine’s vibrant flavors.
• Pasta Primavera: Light pasta dishes with roasted vegetables and olive oil are a great match for the wine’s subtle fruitiness and fresh character.
• Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms harmonize with the wine’s herbal and mineral nuances.
• Semi-Hard Cheeses: Gouda, Edam, or Gruyère enhance the wine’s fruity and slightly tangy profile.
• Goat Cheese: Its creaminess and tang work well with the wine’s acidity and herbaceous qualities.
• Salami or Prosciutto: The wine’s fresh acidity balances the saltiness of cured meats.
• Smoked Sausages: Smoky, savory flavors pair wonderfully with the wine’s lighter red fruit notes.
• Beet and Arugula Salad: The earthiness of beets and peppery arugula complement the wine’s profile.
• Tomato and Mozzarella Salad: A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully with the wine’s acidity and herbaceous undertones.

Dalia Trač Dry White 2022: 

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the website)

Varietal Composition: 100% Gewurztraminer

Location: Rogljevo-Rajac, Negotin Valley, Timok Region, Serbia

Specialty Factor: Only 167 cases produced

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar up to three more years

Tasting Notes from the Winemaker

Trač is directly translated to “gossip” in Serbian, as this wine is meant to be shared amongst close company and a good conversation. Trač is a pure, honest, and refreshing wine of the region that reveals a balanced and highly drinkable wine meant to be enjoyed in good company. The wine shows a light and golden yellow color, with delicate floral and fruity aromas, popping with juicy lychee, white peach and orange zest. On the palate it is delicate but also balanced with structure and a nice lift of acidity making it so easy to drink, packing a long finish of lively tropical fruits and mandarin orange.

Food Pairing

• Thai Curry: Green or yellow curry with coconut milk complements the wine’s aromatic complexity.
• Sushi: Especially rolls with spicy mayo, crab, or shrimp tempura, as the wine’s acidity balances richness.
• Dim Sum: Dishes like shrimp dumplings or pork buns pair well with the wine’s floral and spicy notes.
• Tikka Masala or Butter Chicken: The wine’s aromatics and acidity balance the richness and spice of creamy curries.
• Vegetable Samosas: Highlight the wine’s fruity and spicy elements.
• Lamb Kofta: The aromatic spices in lamb kofta or kebabs harmonize with the wine’s floral and spicy profile.
• Hummus and Pita: A simple yet delightful pairing with the wine’s clean finish.
• Grilled Shrimp or Scallops: The wine’s freshness complements the sweetness of seafood.
• Seafood Ceviche: The citrusy brightness of ceviche pairs wonderfully with Gewürztraminer’s aromatic qualities.
• Roasted Cauliflower or Eggplant: These earthy vegetables, especially with Middle Eastern spices, match the wine’s floral and spicy notes.
• Butternut Squash Ravioli: The wine’s acidity cuts through the creamy texture, while its aromatics enhance the dish’s sweetness.
• Soft Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, or mild goat cheese pair beautifully with the wine’s floral elegance.
• Aromatic Cheeses: Munster or Taleggio bring out the Gewürztraminer’s spicy and fruity notes.
• Arugula and Citrus Salad: The wine’s acidity pairs well with fresh greens and citrus.
• Pear and Walnut Salad: The fruit and nut components echo the wine’s fruity and spicy undertones.
• Apple Tart or Pear Galette: Subtle spices like cinnamon or nutmeg complement the wine’s aromatic profile.
• Ginger Cookies: The spice enhances Gewürztraminer’s natural warmth.

The story of Vinarija Dalia is a great one; One of the rebirth of ancient and forgotten Serbian wine regions and the journey of a young woman winemaker returning home and sparking a renaissance for authentic wines in her home.

After studying oenology in Italy, Kristina Lukić traveled all over the world and Europe making wine, including Beaujolais, Chile, Burgundy, and Champagne, with her most impactful experience being working under Dominique Moreau and Marie Courtin, who changed the way she thought about wine entirely.

Kristina’s dream was to always go back to her homeland, and share her experiences and knowledge with the local people.  After a serendipitous meeting, the owner of the prestigious Burgundy Estate, Domaine de Montille (Etienne de Montille), saw the great potential in Kristina and her vision in Serbia and took a path to partner with her.

Returning home and settling on the ancient region of Negotinska Krajina, she is building her winery from scratch: sourcing grapes from local producers, who are now (thanks to Kristina) bringing back organic viticulture and with the goal of planting 10 ha total. Kristina is planting the first estate hectares now and continue to focus on local varieties of the regions, there will be whites such as Bagrina and Smederevka as well as as reds such as Prokupac, Začinak and Red Tamjanika.

Her winemaking principles are those of natural method wines, to follow vinifications with low intervention, coming from healthy grapes grown respectfully, in order to reveal the local terroir with expressive wines full of life.

Lastly, Kristina’s presence and influence is having a much wider impact on the local community than she could have imagined, especially for the younger generations that are taking over their family production, searching for a new way of their own.  In particular, the emergence of Dalia has empowered female producers in the region to take the reins and follow in the footsteps of the region and now the presence of women in these villages is very strong, from business management to work in the vineyard.