📍 Montenegrin Littoral

The Montenegrin Littoral is the coastal strip of Montenegro along the Adriatic Sea, from the Bay of Kotor in the north-west to Ulcinj in the south-east. It is a national wine region of the country and part of Montenegrin winemaking.

It includes the wine districts of Boka Kotorska, Bar and Ulcinj. The climate is Mediterranean: mild winters, hot dry summers and plenty of sun. Mountains rising almost from the sea shelter the vineyards from cold winds.

Montenegro's main grapes are the red Vranac and the white Krstač. Vranac gives dark, full-bodied wine with high acidity and tannins; its name means black stallion. Krstač is a local white that makes fresh wines. The international Merlot is grown too.

The coast is the most touristic part of the country, so many winemakers sell their wine directly in local restaurants and small family farms. It is a good way to get to know Adriatic wine. Vranac is traditionally served with grilled meat and smoked ham, and Krstač with fish, olives and local cheese. The name Montenegrin Littoral on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.