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One of the most influential and respected wine critics in the world, Mr. James Suckling, has awarded exceptionally high scores to the wines of the Šapat Wine Atelier, confirming that this premium winery from Novi Slankamen is increasingly positioning itself on the international wine scene. Four Šapat labels were presented to Mr. Suckling, and all of the wines received more than 92 points, a result that confirms top-tier quality and a world-class standard.
The highest score within Šapat’s selection was awarded to Terol 2022, made from the rare Teroldego variety, which received an impressive 94 points. This prestigious label once again proved the richness of the Novi Slankamen terroir and the precision in vinification for which the Šapat Wine Atelier is renowned.
“Brilliant, vibrant red wine, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, peach and forest floor, carried through its full body, creamy texture and vibrancy at the mid-palate. ‘Al dente’ character of the grapes. Outstanding,” were the impressions of one of the world’s leading wine authorities after tasting Šapat’s Terol.
Mr. Suckling’s tasting table also included Cuvée 2022, which received an excellent 93 points. This high score confirms the skill of the Šapat team in creating compact and harmonious blends that combine power, elegance and clearly defined structure. The same score was awarded to Atila Chardonnay 2023, once again proving that this strong asset of the Šapat Wine Atelier is a wine of the highest international reach.
“Serious yet subtle chardonnay, with aromas and flavors of sliced apples, light bread dough and dried white flowers. Medium-bodied, with a creamy texture and fine, layered complexity. It needs two to three years to further develop in the bottle, but it is already very pleasant to drink,” states Mr. Suckling’s review of Atila Chardonnay.
Another wine from the Atila collection—Cabernet Sauvignon 2022—received a high score of 92 points at its first major evaluation, dispelling the prejudice that the Fruška Gora region is not suitable for producing cabernet of the highest caliber.
Mr. James Suckling tasted the wines at the initiative of the winery’s head oenologist, Mladen Dragojlović, who notes that presenting the Šapat Wine Atelier labels were presented to a top-tier authority is not only a validation of the winery’s achievements, but also evidence of Serbia’s growing recognition on the global wine map.
“We are proud that a world wine authority such as Suckling has once again paid attention to our wines this year. His high scores are a clear sign that we are on the right path. The quality of our wine is continuously improving and we have no intention of stopping. Mr. Suckling’s points and his impressions of our wine prove that the Slankamen hill, where the vineyards of the Šapat Wine Atelier are located, is a place with one of the best terroirs in this part of the world,” says Dragojlović, who signs Šapat’s wines.
The high scores from the eminent wine critic are seen by Mladen Ćirić, Director of the Šapat Wine Atelier, as the result of the dedicated work of the entire winery team, as well as a valuable incentive for expanding the circle of consumers.
“The results achieved in this evaluation further confirm that Šapat is at the very top of the modern wine scene of Serbia and this part of Europe,” says Ćirić.
The scores awarded by Mr. James Suckling hold special significance in the wine world, as he is one of the most influential critics of today, whose recommendations are followed by professionals, collectors and wine lovers worldwide. His high ratings often provide a strong boost to the international visibility of wines and further enhance the reputation of wineries that appear on his lists.
