All (wine) roads lead to Belgrade… This weekend BeoWine Fair is about to begin at the Belgrade Fair. Just like in those days of former Yugoslavia, winemakers and trade from all countries of former Yugoslavia have gathered in Belgrade. Throughout the week, wine promotion events run at local restaurants, wine shops and bars...Everyone is trying to make best of their stay in Belgrade and additionally promote their wines to the local market.

On February 20th, 2019, at the Wine Bar & Shop in Vračar (5a Jovana Rajića Street), Alen Bibić presented his wines to Belgrade's wine audience. The history of Bibić family from Skradin (near Šibenik) dates back to the 15th century. The first wines were released in 1998 and since then they have been successfully spreading the story of Dalmatian autochthonous varieties and terroir, whilst making wines that are different from conventional uniform wines that dominate the market.

Alen Bibić opens the tasting with sparkling wine Bibich Brut NV. Classical method, three years' maturation on lees, zero dosage. The final blend combines three vintages, with prevailing vintage 2013. The wine shows exceptional freshness and drinkability. Aromas of green apple, citrus, toast, almond dominate the nose. The palate reveals creamy, sophisticated mouthfeel, mild tertiary note. It lacks a little more body that would enhance the impression of classic seriousness.

Debit 2018 Bibich - avant-première, the wine was bottled a few days ago for presentation at BeoWine Fair. Vineyard over 40 years old, natural yeasts, controlled fermentation, several months on the lees in stainless steel tanks. I was greatly impressed by this wine. The nose is aromatic, rich, multi-layered, precise. Pleasant mouthfeel, full body, flavours of yellow fruit, tangerine, citrus, combined with a mineral, salty finish. Lively acidity that defies common perception of Dalmatian white wines.

R5 2016 Bibich - (Varietal composition: 20% Debit, 20% Pošip, 20% Maraština, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay) After harvesting, all varieties were vinified separately, all indigenous varieties macerated for 7-14 days. The wine was then aged in French oak for a year. This is followed by blending all five varieties in large Slavonian oak barrels. On the nose, complex, mature, oxidative style, aromas of ripe yellow fruit, quince, yellow apple, honeyed notes of propolis, pollen, green tea, vanilla. The palate is  multi-layered, savoury, creamy, intense. Fine minerality and almond notes in the finish.

R6 2016 Bibich (varietal composition: Plavina, Babić, Lasin) Grapes from old vineyards, vineyard blend 1/3 of each variety. The philosophy of this blend is that Plavina contributes to wine's acidity, Babić gives full body and Lasina gives tenderness and elegance. The traditional Dalmatian style of wine boosted with freshness. Aromas of ripe black forest fruit, wood, fresh tobacco, Mediterranean herbs, spicy notes, a bit of brett can be traced on the nose. This wine also has fine minerality in the mouth, as well as persistent vivid acidity that gives the wine freshness and spine. Tannins mature, well-integrated.

Babić 2016 Bibich - Grapes from vineyards located above the town of Šibenik, cultivated under cooperation agreement (vineyards are owned by Plenković family). 15% alcohol, well-integrated. A wine that exudes warmth and sunshine. I would characterize its style as international, rather than rustic. Ripe, mouthcoating tannins. Flavours of cherry, dark chocolate, black forest fruit. The wine's vibrant acidity creates appealing harmonious impression when paired with high alcohol levels and ripe tannins. Alongside the power and full-body, all these build a drinkable and savoury wine. Nothing disturbing as a whole.

Bas de Bas 2015 Bibich - (varietal composition: 90% Shiraz, 10% Merlot and a small percentage of Plavina) Bas de Bas is the name of a vineyard plot once owned by the Catholic church, and now considered the best micro-location in the area. The wine has aged for two years in new French oak barrels. Complex nose, warm impression, blueberry jam, plum, leather, white pepper, mint. In the mouth, distinctly fruity with traces of leather notes, fresh tobacco, mushrooms. The tannins are ripe, fine-grained. Vin de garde.

Ambra NV Bibich - Prošek made of dried Debit and Maraština grapes, which undergoes drying process under the roof until February. Approximately three tons of grapes are needed to produce one barrique barrel of Ambra. Concentrated, savoury, both the nose and the palate are dominated by intense aromas of raisins, accompanied with hints of carob, honey,  aromatic herbs, caramel, dried figs. A long, delicious finish.

(25/02/2019)

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