Stilbene levels and antioxidant activity of Vranec and Merlot wines from Macedonia: Effect of variety and enological practices

► Stilbene contents and antioxidant activity of Macedonian red wines were examined. ► Merlot wines had higher concentrations of resveratrol and piceid than Vranec wines. ► The most significant effect had variety and maceration time at 6 and 10 days. ► Application of French yeast implied higher amounts of stilbenes. ► Wines produced with Macedonian yeast provided higher antioxidant activity.