Bulgarian Wines
Recent key developments: Following programmes of land acquisition and investment, the Bulgarian wine industry witnessed the planting of new vineyards, the establishment of small ‘boutique’ wineries in the South and intensified competition on both the domestic and export markets. Producers and exporters have adopted strong, branded approaches to their export markets and branded wines are also becoming increasingly popular on the domestic market.
2002 vintage report: While the climate through the 2002 vintage was challenging, Bulgaria fared better than many other parts of Europe. Harvest dates were moved back across the regions with the slower ripening of the fruit, but the longer season resulted in wines with good structure and acidity, and finer tannins. The wines are expected to be smoother, with more moderate alcohol levels than in 200l. The South was less affected by the weather. Here the 2002 vintage compared well against 2001 in terms of quantity and producing fuller, softer wines. Average yields in northern Bulgaria were comparable to the 2001 yields.
Quality levels begin with standard Table Wine, which does not indicate an area of origin. Country Wine does, and is made from specified grape varieties.
Wines of Declared Geographical Origin (D.G.O.) carry a specific district designation.
Controliran Wines (equivalent to A.O.C. in France, for example) have to be made from specified grape varieties grown in designated vineyard sites in one of the twenty-six D.G.O.s. Both D.G.0, and Controliran wines can claim Reserve status if they have been matured in oak (two to three years for whites, three to four years for reds) and have some potential for aging,
Of the regional designations Shumen, Varna and Targovishte in the Eastern Region have the best track record for white wines, including Chardonnay. Oaky Khan Krum is best known outside the country, but Novi Pazar and Preslav also produce moderately good Chardonnays.
Suhindol, Pavlikeni and Pleven in the Northern Region are best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the native Gamza which produces full-bodied, chunky wines that can age well. Svischtov and Lozitza Cabernet Sauvignons are particularly rich.
Assenovgrad in the Southern Region is home to the native Mavrud variety, producing hearty, plummy wines that age well over five years and more. Plovdiv, Sakar Mountain, and Oriachovitza Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-Merlot blends are particularly good. Finest of all are the Reserve Merlots from Stambolovo (Haskovo Region).
The pride of the Southwest Region is Melnik, a grape and a place, as well as a wine. Melnik is a thick-skinned variety, grown in Damianitza and Harsovo, that produces weighty, tannic wines for long keeping. Read the rest of this entry »
