Vranec (Macedonian: Вранец) or Vranac (Serbian: Вранац / Vranac; pronounced [ʋrǎːnats]) is an ancient variety of grape that is indigenous to the Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro. Vranec is considered the most important variety of grape in Montenegro and one of the most important in the Republic of Macedonia. As it is a local specialty and due to its localised geography, it produces a dry red wine of a unique taste and character that is synonymous with the Balkans. Vranac berries are large and deeply coloured, with its dark berries growing on moderately vigorous and very productive vines. The fruit is harvested by hand. Depending on the area, this harvest can begin from mid-September and continue into October.
The word Vranec means strong black and powerful horse (black stallion), this is why wine made from and named after this variety of grape is associated with strength, potency, and success. Vran also means raven coloured or black, this is because red wine is also known as black wine in many South Slavic languages.
Young Vranec wines have a bright purple hue and a nose full of red berries and fruit jams. Its firm tannin structure provides crispness and richness, with medium to high levels of extraction and acidity. After a year or two of aging, the purple develops into an intense dark ruby and the nose develops a more complex aroma that can include hints of cinnamon, chocolate, liquorice, flowers, black fruits, herbs and even woods such as oak. The taste is subtle, round, and full. It loses its sharpness and develops a longer and smoother finish.
Vitach or Vitač (Macedonian: Витач) is an alcoholic beverage made from the Vranec variety of grape from the Republic of Macedonia's winemaking region of Tikveš.