Paso Robles winery earns federal approval to bottle Balkan grape
Opolo releases first American bottling of Montenegro-grown variety
– Opolo Vineyards has officially introduced Vranac to the American wine industry, becoming the first winery in the United States to release a federally recognized varietal bottling of the Balkan grape.
The winery announced the release of its 2021 Vranac Reserve, a 100-percent varietal wine produced from vines grown at the estate in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. The wine, priced at $60 with a 50-case production limit, is available at the Opolo tasting room or by direct order with a two-bottle limit.
“We are excited to introduce Vranac to California and Paso Robles,” said co-owner Rick Quinn. “Considering its status as a beloved grape in some of the Old World’s most established wine regions, its debut in California is probably long overdue. Once wine lovers get a taste of it, I think they’ll be hooked because it’s unique, delicious, and different.”
Vranac, pronounced “vrah-nuts,” is widely planted in Montenegro and is also grown in Serbia, Croatia, and other Balkan countries. The name is derived from a word meaning “black stallion,” a reference to the grape’s dark color and flavor.
Opolo first attempted to label the wine under the Vranac name more than a year ago, but the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau rejected the application because the grape had not been officially approved. The winery submitted a petition to have Vranac recognized as an acceptable grape variety for American wine labels. The petition was recently approved, allowing any domestic winery to now label Vranac-based wines under the varietal name.
The Vranac vines at Opolo were sourced from the University of California, Davis, through its Foundation Plant Services program. The initial planting of 1,000 vines occurred in 2018. The winery has since planted an additional 1,000 vines to expand the program.
Founded in 1999 by Rick Quinn and David Nichols, Opolo Vineyards is a family-owned winery that produces Zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, Rhône varieties and other wines from estate vineyards in the Paso Robles region.
Quinn, whose grandfather was from Montenegro, said the addition of Vranac reflects the winery’s continued connection to his heritage. Opolo regularly incorporates Balkan influences into its food and events, including offering regional dishes and hosting traditional dance groups during its annual harvest dinner and grape stomp. Quinn grew up in a Serbian and Croatian neighborhood in Minnesota and was previously a touring musician in a family group called “The Balkan Strings.” He and Nichols also lead wine-focused tours through Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.
“Vranac is such a fitting addition to our portfolio,” Nichols said. “It means a lot to us personally, and it grows very well here in the Willow Creek District. This wine is a knockout, and it shows how we’re still innovating and exploring after 25 years in Paso Robles.”
