Bulgarian wines: history, features, classification, best wines

The fertile lands of the Balkan Peninsula have given 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 the hospitable sunny country there is something to see and try.

History of winemaking in Bulgaria

The first wines on the territory of modern Bulgaria appeared even before our era - in the time of the Thracians, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds in the form of ancient earthenware vessels and golden cups.

The vineyards were located in river valleys and in the areas of major Black Sea ports.

The proximity to Byzantium and the emergence 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, Tyrnovo, and Preslav.

Further development of the art of winemaking has 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 nineteenth century, Bulgaria repeatedly presented its products at international exhibitions.

Having survived the phylloxera epidemic, the increase in wine exports in the mid-20th century, and the anti-alcohol campaign in the 80s, local winemaking has embarked on the path of improvement and introduction of new technologies.

Today, the production of alcohol from grapes is mainly carried out by private enterprises, which 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 own varieties and technologies. However, there are features common to the entire wine industry:

1. Local varieties are used as the basis for the production of alcohol (Mavrud, Misket, Gamza, Dymiat, Pamid, Shiroka dilnishka vine, Tamyanka, etc.).). Most drinks have the same name. European varieties of vines are also grown (Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.).), but their number is much smaller.

2. The country has a variety of climates (temperate continental and Mediterranean) and terrain, which allows the cultivation of unique grape varieties that are not found in other regions.

3. Wines in Bulgaria are mainly varietal, blends are rarely produced. Most of the drinks belong to the category of dry. Young products have the best characteristics, aged products often lose their original flavor.

4. 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 it to every guest.

5. Bulgaria has its own wine classification, which is essentially similar to the French one.

6. Local wines often contain unusual ingredients, such as honey or rose petals, and some drinks are made from grapes with mold. It's worth tasting, but this product is from the category of "for amateurs": not everyone can appreciate it.

7. At wineries, modern technologies and state-of-the-art equipment are combined with ancient traditions (foot pressing of raw materials, late harvesting, aging in oak barrels, etc.). д.).

Wine regions

After the establishment of the Bulgarian National Chamber of Viticulture and Winemaking in 2000, quality certificates were introduced in the country and the boundaries of wine regions were defined. There are five of them in total:

1. Danube plain (north of the country)

   Specializes in the production of white dry wines, also produces good red and sparkling drinks. Main varieties: Muscat Ottonel, Gamza, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pamid, Aligote.

2. Thracian lowland (southern territories)

   It is famous for its red wines, in particular, Mavrud and Cabernet Sauvignon.

3. Rose Valley (foothill regions)

   Supplies white dry and semi-dry drinks. Here you can also taste unusual products containing pink petals.

4. Struma River Valley (southwest of the country)

   Famous for traditional wines made from the Shiroka dolzhnishka vine variety, which were produced here in ancient times. Also produces decent drinks made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot fruits.

5. Black Sea region (eastern Bulgaria)

   Specializes in white dry wines. Here you can taste the best products from the varieties Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, Dimyat, Uni Blanc, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.

Classification of Bulgarian wines

1. Table wines ("table wines")

   Covers the simplest products from recommended grape varieties.

2. Local or regional beverages

   Tied to the production area, they include table wines produced in certain areas.

   Varieties: Mavroud, Dimyat, Gamza, Melnik.

3. Wines with a guaranteed appellation of origin

   From fruits of a certain quality grown in specific regions (DGO category).

   Varieties: Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat Ottonel, etc.

4. 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. The taste and aromatic characteristics of the products primarily depend on it.

The most famous and popular are the following:

1. Mavrud

   Red grapes, which produce rich ruby drinks with a fresh fruity flavor, mostly dry and semi-sweet.

   Wines aged in barrel for 2-3 years are good: they acquire the aroma of mulberry and blueberry.

   Famous samples: "Mezzek Mavrud", "Mavrud Todoroff", "Mavrud Asenovgrad", semi-dry table wine "Monastirsko Shushukane", dessert wine "Stanimashka Malaga".

2. Gimza, Gamza, Kadarka

   Different variations of the same red variety from which the best Bulgarian wines are made.

   The most famous of them, G'mza, is considered a must-try when visiting the country.

   The fruits of a bright ruby color are used to make several beverage options: table, dessert, sparkling wines. Good young and aged wines.

   Wines from Gamza are characterized by a fresh berry aroma and a mild, harmonious taste.

3. Broad Melnishka Vine, Melnik

   One of the tart, strong varieties that show their qualities more vividly after long aging.

   The beverage is characterized by a dark cherry hue, sweet taste and powerful fruity aroma with soft notes of tobacco and oak.

   Among the worthy specimens: "Melniske", "Melnik 13", "Melnik Unicato".

4. Smoky

   A unique light variety that combines the light bitterness of almonds and the delicate sweetness of honey.

   The aroma has subtle hints of fragrant acacia, the color is straw with a touch of green.

5. Misket

   A hybrid variety that gives rise to cheerful, cheerful golden wines with nutmeg flavors and floral aromas. Good "Singular Misket".

Before purchasing, it makes sense to taste the bottled drinks, which are presented in a wide range in the stores of the Dionysus chain.

A good solution may be to visit a local festival dedicated to winemaking, which falls on February 14.

Wine tours with excursions and tastings at famous wineries are also popular.

Update: 31.10.2018

Category: Wine and Vermouth