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The fertile lands of the Balkan Peninsula gave birth to many wonderful drinks. Among the best products of the region are Bulgarian wines, which were especially popular during the Soviet era. However, even today in a hospitable sunny country there is something to see and something to try.
wine cocktails
History of winemaking in Bulgaria
The first wines on the territory of modern Bulgaria appeared before our era – during the time of the Thracians, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds in the form of ancient clay vessels and golden goblets.
Vine plantations were located in river valleys and in the areas of large Black Sea ports.
The proximity to Byzantium and the birth of Christianity had a significant impact on the development of Bulgarian winemaking.
The first wine cellars appeared in monasteries, after which the tradition was adopted by representatives of the secular population. Underground storage facilities were built in Pliska, Tarnovo, Preslav.
Further development of winemaking art led to the emergence of special university courses dedicated to the study of oenology and the search for new solutions in the field of wine production.
During the XNUMXth century, Bulgaria repeatedly presented its products at international exhibitions.
Having survived the phylloxera epidemic, the increase in wine exports in the middle of the 80th century and the anti-alcohol campaign in the XNUMXs, local winemaking embarked on the path of improvement and the introduction of new technologies.
Today, the production of alcohol from grapes is mainly carried out by private enterprises that pay great attention to conquering foreign markets.
Features of Bulgarian winemaking
More than a hundred hectares are allocated for vineyards in the country, the number of small and large wineries is about 150. Each farm specializes in its varieties and technologies. However, there are features that are common to the entire wine industry:
Local varieties (Mavrud, Misket, Gamza, Dimyat, Pamid, Shiroka Melnishka vine, Tamyanka, etc.) are taken as the basis for the production of alcohol. Most of the drinks have the same names. European varieties of vines are also grown (Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.), but their number is much smaller.
The country has different climates (temperate continental and Mediterranean) and relief, which allows the cultivation of unique grape varieties that are not found in other regions.
Wines in Bulgaria are predominantly varietal, blended wines are rarely produced. Most of the drinks are classified as dry. “Young” products have the best characteristics; aged products often lose their original taste.
The country produces the legendary “snow wine”, the raw materials for which are harvested in December after the first snow. The drink is characterized by high sweetness and a pleasant, soft bouquet. Bulgarians are proud of this product and recommend every guest to try it.
Bulgaria has its own classification of wines, which is essentially close to the French one.
Local wines often include unusual ingredients such as honey or rose petals, and some drinks are made from moldy grapes. It’s worth tasting, but this product is from the “amateur” category: not everyone is able to appreciate it.
At wineries, modern technologies and the latest equipment are combined with ancient traditions (pressing raw materials with their feet, late harvesting, aging in oak barrels, etc.).
wine regions
After the creation in 2000 of the “Bulgarian National Chamber of Viticulture and Winemaking”, quality certificates were introduced in the country and the boundaries of wine regions were defined. There are five in total:
Danube plain (north of the country)
It specializes in the production of dry white wines, and also produces good red and sparkling drinks. Main varieties: Muscat Ottonel, Gamza, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pamid, Aligote.
Thracian lowland (southern territories)
It is famous for red wines, in particular from Mavrud and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rose Valley (foothills)
Supplies white dry and semi-dry drinks. Here you can also taste unusual products containing rose petals.
Struma river valley (southwest of the country)
It is famous for traditional wines from the Shiroka Melnishka vine variety, which were made here in ancient times. It also produces worthy drinks from the fruits of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Black Sea region (eastern Bulgaria)
Specializes in dry white wines. Here you can taste the best products from Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, Dimyat, Yuni blanc, Traminer, Sauvignon blanc and others.
Bulgarian wine classification
Table wines (“meals”)
Cover the simplest production of recommended grape varieties.
Local or regional drinks
Tied to the area of production, they include table wines that are produced in certain areas.
Varieties: Mavrud, Dimyat, Gamza, Melnik.
Wines with a guaranteed designation of origin
From fruits of a certain quality, grown in specific regions (category “DGO”).
Varieties: Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat Ottonel, etc.
Drinks of the highest category “Controliran”
Assigned by a special expert commission.
For these wines, it is mandatory to indicate the territory of origin and use a strictly defined variety for production.
What to try
When buying Bulgarian drinks, you should focus on the grape variety. First of all, taste and aromatic characteristics of products depend on it.
The most famous and popular are the following:
Mavrud
Red grapes, from which rich ruby drinks with a fresh fruity taste are obtained, mostly dry and semi-sweet.
Good wines aged in a barrel for 2-3 years: they acquire the aroma of mulberries and blueberries.
Known examples: “Mezzek Mavrud”, “Mavrud Todoroff”, “Mavrud Asenovgrad”, semi-dry dining room “Monastyrsko shushukane”, dessert “Stanimashka Malaga”.
Gimza, Gamza, Kadarka
Different variations of the same red variety from which the best Bulgarian wines are made.
The most famous of them – “Gymza” – is considered a must for tasting when visiting the country.
From fruits of bright ruby color, several variants of the drink are made: table, dessert, sparkling wines. Good young and mature.
For wines from Gamza are characterized by a fresh berry aroma and a soft, harmonious taste.
Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Melnik
One of the tart, strong varieties that show their qualities more brightly after a long exposure.
The drinks are characterized by a dark cherry hue, a sweetish taste and a powerful fruity aroma with soft notes of tobacco and oak.
Among the worthy specimens: “Melniskoe”, “Melnik 13”, “Melnik Unikato”.
Dimyat
A unique light variety that combines the slight bitterness of almonds and the delicate sweetness of honey.
Barely perceptible shades of fragrant acacia are noticeable in the aroma, the color is straw interspersed with greenery.
Misket
A hybrid variety that gives rise to cheerful, cheerful golden wines with nutmeg flavor notes and floral aromas. Good Singular Misket.
Before purchasing, it makes sense to taste draft drinks, which are presented in a wide range in the stores of the Dionysus chain.
A good solution would be to visit a local festival dedicated to winemaking, which falls on February 14th.
Wine tours with excursions and tastings at famous wineries are also popular.
Relevance: 31.10.2018
Tags: wine and vermouth