Popova Kula Stanushina Rosé 2018 is a dry rosé made from 100% Stanushina, a rare indigenous Macedonian grape closely associated with the Tikveš wine region. Popova Kula has played an important role in preserving and promoting this distinctive local variety.
Pale salmon-pink in colour, the wine is fresh and expressive, with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, cherry blossom and spring flowers. The palate continues with strawberry, red plum and red cherry, combining bright fruit with freshness and a gently textured finish.
The 2018 vintage received 88 points from Wine Enthusiast, whose review particularly noted its raspberry, freshly picked strawberry and cherry blossom character.
🍷 Tasting Notes: Wild strawberry, raspberry and delicate floral aromas lead into fresh red cherry, strawberry and red plum. Dry and refreshing, with an elegant, persistent fruit character and pleasantly crisp finish.
🍽️ Food Pairings: Seafood, grilled prawns, charcuterie, fresh salads, Mediterranean vegetables, vegetarian mezze, paneer tikka, fruit salads and light desserts.
🌡️ Serve at: 10–12°C.
🍇 Grape: 100% Stanushina | Region: Tikveš, North Macedonia | Alcohol: 13% for the 2018 vintage.
Tasting Experience
Colour
Delicate salmon-pink.
Aroma & Palate
Fresh and aromatic, opening with wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry blossom alongside delicate spring flowers. The palate is dry and fruit-driven, bringing strawberry, red cherry and red plum together with refreshing acidity and a subtle touch of grip.
Body
Light to medium-bodied, fresh and fruit-driven.
Finish
Clean and refreshing, with lingering strawberry, raspberry and red cherry.
Why This Wine Matters
Stanushina is one of North Macedonia's distinctive indigenous grape varieties and is rarely encountered outside the country. Its preservation gives wine drinkers an opportunity to experience something genuinely specific to Macedonian viticulture rather than another interpretation of an international grape.
Popova Kula's Stanushina Rosé is particularly interesting because it translates the variety into an approachable, fresh style while retaining its characteristic red-fruit profile.
The 2018 vintage earned 88 points from Wine Enthusiast, providing independent recognition for both the wine and this little-known Macedonian variety.
Food Pairings
International
- Grilled prawns
- Seafood salads
- Charcuterie
- Grilled chicken
- Fresh goat cheese
- Fruit salad
Vegetarian
- Mediterranean vegetable salad
- Vegetarian mezze
- Grilled halloumi
- Tomato and burrata salad
- Paneer tikka
Singapore & Regional
- Popiah
- Grilled sambal prawns
- Otah
- Tandoori vegetables
- Vegetable spring rolls
Technical Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Producer | Popova Kula |
| Country | North Macedonia |
| Region | Tikveš |
| Appellation & Classification | Tikveš Wine Region |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Wine Type | Dry Rosé Wine |
| Grape Variety | 100% Stanushina |
| Alcohol | 13% |
| Colour | Salmon Pink |
| Primary Flavours | Strawberry, Raspberry, Red Cherry, Red Plum |
| Floral Notes | Cherry Blossom, Spring Flowers |
| Wine Body | Light to Medium |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Serving Temperature | 10–12°C |
| Bottle Size | 750 ml |
| Award / Rating | Wine Enthusiast – 88 Points |
Closing Line
Popova Kula Stanushina Rosé 2018 is a fresh and distinctive Macedonian rosé, combining vibrant red fruit and floral character with the story of one of the Balkans' rare indigenous grape varieties.