A short guide to Albanian wine: the native grapes Shesh i Bardhë, Shesh i Zi, Kallmet, Vlosh, Debina and Pulëz, where they grow and what to eat with them.
Wine has been made on this coast since antiquity. Durrës itself began as a Greek colony, and the vines never left. Today most of the grapes in Albanian vineyards are old local varieties with names you will not see on a French or Italian label.
You do not need to remember them all. Start with these.
01The reds: Shesh i Zi, Kallmet and Vlosh
Shesh i Zi means “black Shesh”. It grows in central Albania, the area around Tirana and Durrës, and gives dark, full-bodied reds. Kallmet is a northern grape, grown mostly around Lezhë and Shkodër, usually deep in colour. Vlosh grows mostly in the south-west.
Look for them on a wine list in Tirana or Durrës. A waiter will usually be glad to tell you which producer they like.
02The whites: Shesh i Bardhë, Debina and Pulëz
Shesh i Bardhë, “white Shesh”, is the white sibling of the black one and grows in the same central part of the country. It is the grape in our own white wine. Debina and Pulëz grow mostly in the south, around Përmet and the hills inland from the Ionian coast.
Whites from these grapes tend to be fresh and light, which suits the climate: hot days, a sea breeze and food cooked in olive oil.
03What to eat with Albanian wine
Crisp whites go with fish, seafood, salads and the fresh white cheese served at almost every table. Reds suit grilled lamb, meatballs and baked dishes. Our guide to Albanian food lists ten dishes to try and what to drink with them.
04Our wines on the farm
We make two wines at Wonderful Camping: a Merlot, which is a French grape grown well in warm climates, and a white from Shesh i Bardhë. You can taste both at the coffee shop at golden hour, and the full story of our products is on the blog.
Wine is sold to adults aged 18 and over only.
Photo credits: Albinfo ([CC0](http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en), via Wikimedia Commons); Albinfo ([CC0](http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en), via Wikimedia Commons.jpg)).
