Grape: 100% Gamay
ABV: 11.5%
The Story: Returning to our local heroine, Kristina Lukić started learning how to make wine in Italy, studying viticulture at the University of Udine. Before graduating she completed harvest stints in Sardinia and Beaujolais. After, she followed her dream by zig zagged across the equator working harvests in Chile, Spain, Sonoma, New Zealand, and Champagne enriching her cultural and professional knowledge at different size wineries along the way. Kristina’s dream was to always go back to her homeland, and share her experiences and knowledge with the local people. In 2021, a serendipitous acquaintance led her to Emmanuel Koenig and Etienne de Montille, owners of the prestigious Burgundy estate -Domaine de Montille, who saw great potential in Kristina and the wines of Serbia. They felt compelled to support her in her journey, and the partnership settled on a winery in the village of Smedovac, and Kristina launched Vinarija Dalia with their help. She sources some grapes from nearby vineyards, but is acquiring land with the eventual goal of owning 10 hectares planted to local varieties. All this is all very impressive, but it must be noted that Kristina’s presence is having a much wider influence on the local community than Emmanuel, Etienne and Kristina 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 their ancestors, from business management to work in the vineyard. Her insistence on organically grown fruit is forcing her neighbors (thanks to Kristina) to bringing back organic viticulture and continuing to grow awareness for this growing area in Serbia.
Personality: Great refreshing acidity, with flowery and bright, yet dark fruity aromas, sustaining a perfectly balanced medium body and finish.
Harmony: Enjoy it with roasted chicken thighs in a light yogurt sauce, or sauteed veggies, or charcuterie snacks. Our pick for Thanksgiving pairing perfection.

