Janko Stari zavet 2017

Overview

Stari Zavet 2017 is a Bordeaux blend from Vinarija Janko in Smederevo. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are blended in the vineyard, and Merlot is added to the cuvée just before bottling to provide richness and elegance. Vinarija Janko achieved Serbia's first Decanter Gold ever for their Stari Zavet 2011.

In the glass

Deep ruby-garnet with a slightly brick-red rim – an indication of the progressive maturity of the 2017 vintage.

On the nose

Expressive aromatic profile: ripe berries, cherries, and plum form the fruity base. Secondary notes of tobacco, damp earth, and cedarwood attest to the barrique aging. The bouquet shows tertiary development and the typical complexity of a matured Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine.

On the palate

Harmonious and dense with well-integrated, ripe tannins. The acidic structure supports the long finish. Berries, ripe plums, and fine roasted aromas from barrique aging in Serbian oak alternate. The wine is in an ideal drinking window and shows classic Bordeaux character with a Serbian interpretation.

Food pairing recommendations

Aged hard cheese, game dishes with red wine jus, beef carpaccio, leg of lamb with herb crust, dark chocolate desserts.

Serving recommendations

• Temperature: 16–18 °C
• Decanting time: 45 minutes
• Glass: Bordeaux glass

Origin

Vinarija Janko, founded in 2006 in Smederevo, near the historic Villa Obrenović, cultivates 14 hectares in the Zlatno Brdo and Šeškovac areas. Vinification utilizes both new and used Serbian oak barriques for the cuvée aging.

Technical specifications

• Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot (Cuvée)
• Aging: Barrique in Serbian oak (new and used barrels)
• Maceration: approx. 2 weeks
• Region: Smederevsko Vinogorje, Serbia
• Vintage: 2017