The quest for the authentic terroir narrative, viticulture dedicated to preserving and celebrating nature and its gifts, along with the precise expression of grape varieties—these are the hallmarks of premium winemaking that are increasingly emerging in Serbia. When a winemaker marries a methodical, scientific approach to identifying the ideal terroir for their wines with a profound passion for the craft, exceptional results are inevitable. This is precisely what has unfolded at the Temet winery, situated in a region whose name hints at a rich viticultural heritage—Lozovik, near Jagodina.
At the core of this terroir lies a site beautifully named Beli kamen, derived from the dolomite, a mineral abundant in the land surrounding the Temet winery. What began as a search for additional locations suitable for expanding production transformed into an exhilarating exploration of the diverse terroirs on Temet’s hill. At the site known locally as Beli kamen—named for the white mineral that visually symbolizes the line of character-driven terroir wines—Merlot, Morava, Syrah, and Prokupac thrive, yielding high-quality varietal wines with ambitious stylistic profiles.
Wines from exceptional vintages
From the outset, the Temet winery did not solely focus on terroir. The realization that Temet’s hill encompasses a variety of vineyard sites capable of producing a broad spectrum of wine expressions emerged later. Concurrently, as the focus shifted to terroir and soil, the transition to organic production began. This process commenced in 2018, culminating in 2021 with domestic certification, and a year later, with EU certification.
Wines bearing the Beli kamen label are crafted only in exceptional vintages. The intriguing orange wine, Morava Beli kamen 2020, appears tailor-made for pairing adventures, while the robust Prokupac Beli kamen 2019 stands as a remarkable example of a sumptuous wine from our indigenous variety, bursting with aromas of ripe plums and cherries, complemented by hints of spice. Syrah Beli kamen 2017 showcases a typical and outstanding expression of a variety that has yet to realize its full potential in Serbia. The Merlot Beli kamen 2019, which recently clinched the trophy for Best Red Wine at the Open Balkan Wine Trophy, encapsulates the finest qualities of the previous vintage, 2017, which is currently available for purchase. Both years were characterized by warmth, ideal for producing extractive, powerful wines, and the 2019 vintage once again delivered Merlot with classic varietal aromas of cherries and blueberries, alongside sweet, pleasant notes of oak and a robust character with firm tannins.
Promising aging potential
For those seeking an outstanding varietal Merlot, marked by a strong expression of the grape accentuated by terroir characteristics and a precise winemaking vision adhering to established quality standards, Merlot Beli kamen is a wine worthy of inclusion in a personal collection or as a gift for a wine aficionado—an offering that will appreciate in value over time. The freshness and pleasant acidity of this wine suggest a promising aging potential. When it comes to food pairing, those lively acids make Merlot from the Beli kamen site an ideal companion for hearty meat dishes.
The line of Beli kamen wines is poised to shine during festive occasions, in personal and restaurant cellars, serving as a testament to the significance of an important Serbian terroir.
