One key for
the Balkans’ economies to make a comeback is the development of high-value products for export. For
Kosovo, Europe’s poorest country, the stakes are high if its people will maintain their optimism and resilience after gaining independence (your point of view depending on which governments have recognized Kosovo’s diplomatic break from Serbia).
Kosovo hopes its
technology sector will succeed, but there is another industry that was once prosperous and is on its way towards a revival:
winemaking. With Kosovo basking in sunshine three-fourths of the year, Kosovo’s grapes are the foundation of some outstanding wines. Its vintages kept the former Yugoslavia imbibed for years, but eventually withered and collapsed during the 1990s civil wars.
But during
my visit to Kosovo last year, wines were an incredible accompaniment to the local hearty meals. Now one region in Southwestern Kosovo,
Rahovec (Orahovac to local Serbs), has ambitious plans to revive the fine Pinots and Chardonnays. Its largest winery,
Stone Castle, currently boasts five million liters of wine aging in its barrels and has plans to expand. Other wineries plan to ramp up production as well.
Watch for other Balkans wines to emerge on the culinary scene.
Bulgaria produces a mean Mavrud;
Montenegro is home to Vranac; and the Herzegovina region of
Bosnia can brag about its crisp Blatina and Zilavka whites and seductive brandies.
Southeastern Europe’s proud heritage shines through in its vintages, and its wine countries will soon rank with those in
Argentina, France, and yes, California.
Pictured: Kosovo’s countryside.
[...] for Kosovo, which is a market of less than two million people: Kosovo can attract investment if its products can easily access the regional market, and if it can be part of regional production chains. Hence, [...]