Vine-growing and Wine-making Regions
THE DANUBIAN PLAIN
The Northern Bulgarian Region is characterized by moderate
continental climate with hot summers and a great number of sunny days. It covers
the central and western parts of the Danube Plain, the southern banks of the
Danube and the outlying areas. The most widely planted grapes varieties in the
region are Muscat Ottonel, Camza, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Aligote,
Pamid, as well as some other varieties. The region produces quality dry white
wines, sparkling white wines (traditional technique), and quality red wines
with rich fruity flavour and fresh taste.
THE THRACIAN LOWLANDS REGION
The Southern Bulgarian Region has a moderate continental climate
with favourable even distribution of precipitation throughout the entire growth
period of the vines. The region includes the central parts of the Thracian lowlands
and parts of the Sakar Mountains. Most of the red grape varieties are grown
here -Mavroud, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Misket, Pamid, as well as some
other varieties. The climatic conditions in the region, which is well-sheltered
from the strong northerly winds, are conducive to the production of exquisitely
rich and easy-to-remember high-quality red wines of the Cabernet Sauvignon and
Mavroud varieties. The wine from the indigenous Mavroud variety is highly appreciated
as it combines the fragrance and flavour of red berries, spices and herbs.
THE BLACK SEA REGION
The Eastern Bulgarian Region comprises three sub-regions.
The autumns here are warm and long. These climatic conditions are favourable
for the sufficient accumulation of sugars to produce fine semi-dry white wines.
The most widely grown varieties are Muscat Ottonel, Dimiat, Chardonnay, Uni
Blanc, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc (the most excellent grapes of this variety
are harvested here), as well as some other varieties. The region produces some
of the country's most wonderful dry and semi-dry wines which combine a pleasant
bouquet of fruity flavours, a rich taste and a subtle freshness.
THE STROUMA VALLEY REGION
This region covers the south-eastern parts of the country.
It does not cover a large area but it features specific climatic conditions
which are close to the climate of the Mediterranean. The local indigenous variety
Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are grown along the valley
of the Strouma River. The wines from these varieties carry the warm southern
flavour and the richness of the general impression. The wine from the indigenous
Shiroka Melnishka Loza variety is particularly valued for its full-bodied flavour
and ruby-red colour. With ageing, it acquires a delightfully exotic flavour.
THE ROSE VALLEY REGION
The region lies to the south of the Balkan mountain range and
has two sub-regions - the Eastern and the Western regions. The most widely grown
varieties on the southern slopes of the Balkan mountain range and in the valley
lying between the Balkan range and the Sredna Cora mountains are Red Misket,
Riesling, Rkatsiteli, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The region produces primarily
dry and semi-dry white wines, as well as some flavoured wines. The wines have
a delightful, full-bodied fruity flavour, and fresh, uniformly harmonious taste.
The wine from the indigenous variety Red Misket is among the best white wines
produced in the country -they have a deep fruity flavour, exquisite full body
and gentle lasting aftertaste.
