Interview with Stobi Winemaker Gjoko Jovanov
Posted on Mon 13th Jul 2015 at 14:56
As part of a series of interviews with the experts used by Signature Wines, we pose questions to Gjoko Jovanov who is Head of the Enology at the Stobi winery, in addition to being winemaker Dane Jovanov's father.
Gjoko has a passion for the wine industry and is one of the oldest and most respected winemakers in Macedonia. What is your responsibility at Stobi? Head of the Enology department and the leader of wine production. How long have you been working for them? Since the establishment of the winery in December 2007. What made you decide to follow this particular career path and how did you get into it? Ever since I was young I showed an interest in the vineyards and the wines and as a result I wanted to learn the secrets of viticulture and the philosophy of winemaking. What is the best part about your job? And the worst? The best part is possessing the freedom to create and use your passion to produce wine, which will vividly represent our native area. And I am happy to say that I cannot find any bad sides of my job. Which is your favourite grape variety and why? This is rather a difficult question to answer – but if I have to choose between one of the huge varieties, I would say Rkaciteli, since it’s a cultivar with great tradition in our vineyards, from which you can make some extraordinary wines. Where would you most like to live? Even though I travelled a lot for work, I must say Macedonia for me is the best place, especially my native city, where I am the happiest. What is your motto? Be bold. Do what the ordinary fear. Who is your hero? And Why? Sir Winston Churchill – for his vision, wisdom, bravery and an iron will to make the world a better place. Finish this sentence: “wine is best drunk with… …sincere friends.