RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

Vlosh is a red grape variety that likely originated around the Narta Lagoon in southwestern Albania. It is grown primarily in Vlora County, and to a lesser extent in Fier County and other areas in the southern and central parts of the country.

Wine production in Albania has always been considered men’s work. Women were not traditionally involved in making alcoholic beverages, and were not supposed to consume alcohol. In contemporary Albanian society, women do drink alcohol, but their involvement in wine production is limited or non-existent.
Vlosh wine is the main alcoholic beverage of the area around Narta Lagoon. Other important local products include raki and various lagoon fish, including eels.

The local winemaking tradition is centuries old and many people in the region produced their wine at home. Vine growers and winemakers from Narta took their experience and expertise to other regions of Albania, such as Shkodra and Durrës. The population of Narta is predominantly Orthodox Christian, and wine figures prominently in both religious and secular festivals and celebrations. Vlosh wine was traditionally present on all the local tables. It is often paired with sea bass casseroles or roasted eels.
Vlosh wine is sold at typical local stores, or through direct sales. It is not typically aged.

After the 1960s, the hills of many villages in Vlora (e.g. Babice, Akerni, Trevllaz- er, Cekodhima) were planted with olive trees to increase oil production, and the adjacent Vlosh vineyards were often shaded out, leading to a decline in in the production of Vlosh grapes and wine. Currently, just two wineries in the city of Vlora produce Vlosh wines. Small quantities are produced in some other counties, such as Berat.

The wine made from vlosh grapes is full bodied but relatively pale in color, quite tannic, and has rich fruity and savory flavors. as it ages, the wine becomes brownish and acquires notes of melon.

This variety is used almost exclusively for wine production (sometimes it is eaten as a table grape).

(Courtesy of Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/vlosh-grape/