Krgović Arhonto
Živjeli! Not every winery is started by a winemaker's family — some are started by someone who spent a career managing an entire country's money supply and decided, later in life, to manage a vineyard instead. Ljubiša Krgović, former governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro, founded Krgović Winery in 2009 in the village of Rogami, just north of Podgorica.
Arhonto Vranac Special Selection
14% ABVThe site he chose carries serious historical weight: Rogami sits near the ruins of Duklja, an ancient Roman-Illyrian city that gave its name to the medieval Kingdom of Duklja, one of the earliest recognisable Montenegrin states. Krgović named the winery's wine range "Arhonto" after the title once held by the rulers of Doclea — a direct nod to that ancient lineage.
The 8.5-hectare vineyard is split across three distinct locations near Podgorica — Rogami, Gornji Crnci, and Beri — each with its own microclimate, producing around 50,000 bottles a year. Let's explore what a career spent balancing a nation's books brings to winemaking.
From Central Bank to Cellar: The History of Krgović Arhonto
Ljubiša Krgović spent his career at the highest levels of Montenegrin finance, serving as governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro. In 2009, he founded a winery in the village of Rogami, roughly four kilometres north of central Podgorica — a genuinely unusual career pivot, but one grounded in a site with real historical significance.
Rogami sits at just 45 metres above sea level, near the ruins of Duklja, an ancient Roman-Illyrian settlement that later lent its name to the medieval Kingdom of Duklja — one of the earliest identifiable Montenegrin states. Krgović named the winery's wine range "Arhonto," after "Arhont," the historic title held by Doclea's rulers, tying the modern winery directly to that ancient lineage.
The vineyard itself spans 8.5 hectares across three distinct sites near Podgorica — Rogami, Gornji Crnci, and Beri — each offering its own microclimate, planted with 12,000 vines across seven grape varieties.
The Taste: Seven Wines Named for an Ancient Title
The Arhonto range runs to seven wines drawing on both Montenegrin and international grapes:
- Vranac Special Selection: The flagship red — deep, structured, and built for ageing, made from Montenegro's signature grape.
- Kratošija: A historic Balkan variety genetically linked to California Zinfandel, offered as a distinct single-varietal bottling.
- Chardonnay, Malvasia di Candia, Cabernet Sauvignon, a rosé, and a Private Reserve: Rounding out a genuinely varied seven-wine range for a relatively small estate.
More Than Wine: Krgović Arhonto's Place near Podgorica
- An unusual founder's story: Few wineries anywhere can claim a founder who previously governed a national central bank.
- A direct link to ancient Duklja: Naming the wine range after the historic "Arhont" title ties the estate physically and symbolically to one of Montenegro's oldest identifiable states.
- Three-site terroir experimentation: Farming across three distinct microclimates near Podgorica gives the estate more terroir variety than most Montenegrin wineries of similar size.
Perfect Pairings: Enjoying Arhonto Wines with Montenegrin Food
Structured wines suited to Montenegro's rich mountain and coastal cooking:
- Vranac Special Selection: Pairs beautifully with Njeguši prosciutto and cheese, slow-cooked lamb, or hearty stews.
- Chardonnay: A good match for grilled fish or poultry.
Finding Krgović Arhonto Wines
- At the source: The estate near Podgorica welcomes visitors for tastings — check arhonto.com for details.
- Across Montenegro: Available at specialty wine shops and restaurants in Podgorica and along the coast.
- Internationally: A growing presence among importers seeking distinctive, small-production Montenegrin reds.
Živjeli uz Krgović Arhonto! To a central banker who traded balance sheets for barrels, on ground the ancient rulers of Doclea once walked.