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Winemakers at the Imperial Table

Serbian wines played an important role at the courts of European rulers during the Middle Ages and later periods. Wines from Serbia, particularly from the regions of today's Fruška Gora, Župa, and Smederevo, were highly regarded for their unique flavors and quality.

In the Byzantine Empire, Serbian wines reached emperors and high officials, partly due to the close political and trade ties between Serbia and Byzantium. The Byzantine aristocracy was known for its refined taste in wines, and Serbian wines stood out for their rich aroma and high quality. During this period, vineyards thrived in areas influenced by the Mediterranean and Pannonian climates, producing wines with distinctive characteristics.

One key figure in the spread of Serbian wines across Europe was Despot Đurađ Branković. During his rule in the 15th century, he revitalized and expanded vineyards in Smederevo, turning the city into a hub of Serbian winemaking. His wife, Despotess Jerina Branković, was known for her extensive vineyards, and wines from Smederevo were frequently featured at court feasts in Serbia and abroad.

Later, during the period of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, wines from Serbia became popular at the courts of this vast European monarchy. Under Habsburg rule, Serbian vineyards, especially those on Fruška Gora, were part of a broader wine culture that developed in Central Europe. It is known that wines from Fruška Gora were regularly served at the court of Maria Theresa, the Empress of Austria-Hungary, who was a wine enthusiast. Fruška Gora wines, such as bermet and ausbruch, became a hit among the nobility and were often served at imperial banquets and receptions.

This tradition of Serbian wines appearing on imperial and royal tables was not only a reflection of their quality but also the result of strategic trade routes and connections that Serbia had with powerful European courts. Over time, Serbian winemakers developed production techniques that allowed Serbian wines to compete with the most renowned European wines, earning them a prestigious reputation across the continent.

Today, many Serbian wineries continue this tradition, producing top-quality wines that win international awards, once again placing Serbian wines on the global stage.