Damianitza JSCo.   For contacts: Winery: 2813 Damianitza village Sandanski district tel.: 0746/30090 fax: 0746/30091 damianitza@melnikwine.bg www.melnikwine.bg     Head Office: 1504 Sofia 22 À Oborishte st. tel: 02/9449830; 02/9441774 fax: 02/9449691 Wine deliveries in Sofia: http://www.melnikwine.bg/Bulgarian/bn.htm Damianitza (established in 1940) is located in Southwest Bulgaria - one of the best wine regions in the country - the Struma river valley. This is the sunniest and the hottest Bulgarian viticultural region with hilly terrain and soils of volcanic origin, which are most suitable for grape growing. Damianitza JSCo produces wines from the indigenous local variety Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broad Leaved Vine of Melnik), known also as Melnik, as well as wines from the varieties Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc etc. Damianitza is an established producer of red wines mainly in the premium and higher categories and is recognized as one of the few Bulgarian producers of wines in the ultra premium category. Damianitza exports successfully its wines to Germany, Finland, The Czech republic, Sweden, Denmark, Austria etc. and is official importer for Bulgaria of the products of Grands Chais De France (GCF) and Lichtenberger Feine Spirituosen GmbH. Damianitza can offer you a variety of wine tours with barrel samples and visits to Melnik, Rozhen, No Man's Land vineyard etc. For more information visit the "Wine routes" section of this site or http://www.melnikwine.bg/. Ownership "Anglo-Bulgarian Vintners (Philip Harmandjiev and Ivan Slivov) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ECM Holding Ltd. Izba Damianitza (MBO company) Ministry of Economy The Region One of the 7 viti-vinicultural regions in Bulgaria - the Struma river valey Typical veriety for this region - Broad leaved vine of Melnik Unique beautiful mountainous terrain with sandy calcareous grounds and maroon soils Dry and warm continental climate with strong Mediterranean influence Total amount of vegetative temperature - 4429°C Annual amount of rainfalls - 534 mm Average age of vines - 20-25 years 900 ha vineyards 75% Broad-leaved vine of Melnik 20% Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 5% other The variety - Melnik The variety called Broad-leaved vine of Melnik, known also as Melnik, is one of the oldest varieties and unique for Bulgaria. It is grown exclusively around Melnik and the near-by villages. Melnik is a late-ripening variety - the vintage is in the middle of October. The wines from this variety are fruity, with soft tannins, and with typical taste. The grapes are small, with thin blue skin and broad leaves, which can be up to 23 cm in diameter. Some wines have the aroma of tobacco and leather, and are suitable for ageing in oak barrels, which will bring out warmth and sophistication in the taste.   Product list: Merlot Single vineyard 2001 | ReDark | Uniqato | No Man's Land | CHATEAU BELITZA 2000 | MELNIK WINE FROM HARSOVO 1997, 1998, 2000 AOC | DAMIANITZA PRESTIGE Chardonnay | DAMIANITZA PRESTIGE Merlot | DAMIANITZA PRESTIGE Cabernet Sauvignon | DAMIANITZA PRESTIGE Melnik | MELNIK RESERVÀ | Damianitza Chardonnay | Damianitza Rose MELNIK | DAMIANITZA Melnik | DAMIANITZA Cabernet Sauvignon | DAMIANITZA Merlot | ROSE MELNIK | MELNIK 13 Merlot Single vineyard 2001 This remarkable Merlot comes from our vineyards near the small village of Drangovo, located in the Struma river valley, South-West Bulgaria. The hand picked fully ripe grapes were gently handled by our winemaker to ensure the least intervention in this terroir wine. After 10 months of ageing in new and 1 year old French oak barrels the wine was bottled in absence of filtrations. This Merlot offers an intense red colour with violet nuaances, a bouquet redolent of red berries, caramel, cinnamon and a complex, lingering finish. The perfect accompaniment to red meats, game dishes and cheese. Serve at 16-18° C. The 2001 vintage produced 4 028 Bordelaise bottles and Magnums. Go to the beginning of the page ReDark 2000, 2001 This wine is the result of the mutual work of Damianitza Winery's team and the French oenologist Marc Dworkin. The aim of the project is to prove that Bulgaria can produce superb quality wines, suitable for aging for at least a decade and representing a terroir. ReDark Merlot: The grapes were selected from the best sites in the Melnik region, South West Bulgaria, near the village of Damianitza and were handpicked at optimal ripeness. The hot and dry summer concentrated the aromas and the alcohol, allowing the wine to develop a deep, purple-red color. The wine reveals blackberry and raspberry aromas with full-bodied and smooth, woody tannin structure. The aging in new French oak barrels has added delicate oak nuances, rounding the tannins to a velvet smoothness. This wine is a perfect marriage of Bulgarian soils and climate and modern French winemaking style. Good for consumption now, it would be at its best after 3 to 5 years. To show its full potential should be decanted 2-3 hours in advance. Suitable for ageing at least up to year 2010. Limited release - only 6 000 bottles for sale in Bulgaria. This wine is an ideal partner to roasted fowl, stewed or grilled meat with spicy sauces. Best served at 16° C Awards: International Wine and Spirits Competition London 2002, ReDark, vintage 2000, was awarded a bronze medal. Go to the beginning of the page UNIQATO 2001 This wine is produced from à unique early-ripening clone of the typical Bulgarian variety "Shiroka Melnishka Loza" (Broad Leaved Vine of Melnik), characterised with dark ruby colour and robust nature. Unfiltered to preserve the natural character it ages 8 months in Bulgarian and French barrels to develop complex and harmonious palate, bursting with wild red and black berries, interwoven with oriental spice and sweet vanilla. Silky structured, smooth and soft with a lively long finish it is a pleasure to drink now or cellar 1 - 3 years. Full bodied and balanced it is a perfect partner to red meats and medium strong cheeses. Consume at 14° C. Suitable for your collection. Awards: International Wine and Spirits Competition, London 2002, Uniqato, vintage 2000 was awarded a silver medal. International Wine Challenge, London 2003, Uniqato, vintage 2001 was awarded a bronze medal. Go to the beginning of the page NO MAN'S LAND 2001 The territory, which separated Bulgaria from its southern neighbours -Greece and Turkey -, was divided into two parts. The first zone of restriction from Bulgaria was a 12 kilometres wide strip for which a special pass from the authorities was required. Beyond this was an electric fence, which signalled every time it was touched by a living creature. This marked the start of the next 5 kilometres wide strip of land, which reaches the real border. This band is called No Man's Land and was previously used as a buffer zone between the world of socialism and that of capitalism. It was a place of horror for those who dared to escape in pursuit of a better life outside the socialist countries. The complete absence of human beings and industrial activity has resulted in this area becoming an environmental paradise with no pollution and a preserved wildlife. Nowadays the area is a home to excellent quality vines, which bask in the sun of South Western Bulgaria. It is hard to believe that a better wine could be produced than that of the vineyards in this No Man's Land - a wine with a sad story, but with a future full of spirit and adventure. Vintage 2001 70% Cabernet sauvignon, 30% Merlot The wine has a beautiful ruby colour with violet nuances. The aroma is rich and multi-layered, with blackberries, vanilla and toasted bread. The taste is fruity and harmonious. Middle body but with good tannin structure. The aftertaste is long, velvety and fruity. The wine is recommended to be consumed decanted at 16°C with game and spicy red meats. It will reach its full potential in about 3 years. Awards No Man's Land 2000: The Chicago Value Wine Challenge 2001 "No Man's Land 2000 is 4th in the Top 50 red wines in USA". International Fair for Wine and Spirits PROWEIN - Duesseldorf, Germany 24-26.03.2002ã. No Man's Land, vintage 2000, produced by Damianitza Winery, was awarded with 1 star in the price category above 8 EUR for red wines at the open tasting. International Wine and Spirit Competition, London 2002, No Man's Land, vintage 2000 was awarded a bronze medal. International wine competition, Presov, Slovakia 2002, No Man's Land, ðåêîëòà 1999 å îòëè÷åíî ñúñ çëàòåí ìåäàë. 08 April 2003 - Brno, Czech Republic. Tasting of imported barrique wines led by Prof. Fedor Malik. No Man's Land 2000 was voted the best wine among 25 others, mostly New World." International Wine Challenge, London 2003 - No Man's Land 2001 - Seal of Approval. Go to the beginning of the page CHATEAU BELITZA 2000 This wine is a selection of some high quality wines produced in the region of Damianitza, a blend of Merlot (75% ) and Cabernet Sauvignon (25%). The grapes have been hand-picked in crates and carefully transported to the winery. Produced according to the latest technologies, the wines have been aged in French oak barrels for 12 months.This wine is the result of the French oenologist Marc Dworkin's "savoir faire" and Damianitza winery's team.There are black cherries and prunes in the nose. Very elegant hues of oak, tobacco, spice and smoke. Strong and powerful structure in the taste. The aftertaste reminds of nuts. An exceptional and remarkable wine. We recommend serving it decanted at 18î C with game and red meat. Go to the beginning of the page MELNIK WINE FROM HARSOVO 1997, 1998, 2000 AOC Melnik from Harsovo - a wine, produced from the ancient Bulgarian grape variety "Shiroka Melnishka Loza" (Broad Leaved Vine of Melnik) in the controlled microregion of Harsovo. The dry and hot climate contributes to the production of wine with specific, but very pleasant spicy flavour, combined with cherries, leather, smoke and toasted bread overtones. The long concentrated finish shows a pleasant combination of tobacco and vanilla flavours. Best served at 18° C. Recommended with red, spicy meats. Go to the beginning of the page DAMIANITZA PRESTIGE Chardonnay 2002 The wines from Damianitza's PRESTIGE range have aged in barriques (oak barrels of 225 l.) Dry white wine, produced from specially selected grapes. The fermentation was carried out in Bulgarian oak barrels, where the wine was also left to age for 5 months. The wine has a beautiful golden colour, and attractively intensive and multi-layered aroma of dry grass, citrus fruit and honey. The mild and balanced taste has a feeling of fruityness, complemented by nuances of oak and toasted bread. Harmonious and round body with elegant finish, dominated by sweetness and ripeness. Suitable for serving with fish dishes and white meats. Serve chilled at 8-10° C. Limited edition of 4 000 bottles. Go to the beginning of the page DAMIANITZA PRESTIGE Merlot 2001 The wines from Damianitza's PRESTIGE range have aged in barriques (oak barrels of 225 l.) This dry red wine is produced from hand-picked Merlot grapes from the Struma river valley, and has aged for 8 months in French and Bulgarian oak barrels. Its colour is dark ruby. The wine has a rich and interesting aroma of red berries, vanilla and toasted bread. The deep, mild and harmonious taste and long aftertaste, makes it suitable for red meats and yellow cheeses. Serve at 16° C. Go to the beginning of the page DAMIANITZA PRESTIGE Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 The wines from Damianitza's PRESTIGE range have aged in barriques (oak barrels of 225 l.) This dry red wine is produced from specially selected and fully ripe grapes. After 8-month ageing in Bulgarian oak barrels, the aromas of blueberries and blackberries have happily married with the vanilla and smoke of the barrels. The taste is a rich combination of these aromas, ballanced, harmonious and warm. The finish is soft, with a lingering fruity aftertaste. Suitable for drinking with spicy red meats and game. Serve at 17° C. Go to the beginning of the page DAMIANITZA PRESTIGE Melnik 2000 The wines from Damianitza's PRESTIGE range have aged in barriques (oak barrels of 225 l.) This dry red wine is produced from the indigenous Bulgarian variety "Broad leaved vine of Melnik", unique for the south-west region. The 6-month ageing adds vanilla and a touch of smoke to the herbs and tobacco, typical of the variety. This wine is with an attractive ruby colour and soft but powerful tannins. The memory of cherries and leather stays in the aftertaste. Serve at 16 C with spicy red meats and strong-flavoured cheeses. Go to the beginning of the page MELNIK RESERVÀ 1999, 2000 AC Melnik Reservà is dry red wine, produced from the local variety "Shiroka Melnishka Loza" (Broad Leaved Vine of Melnik) in the region of Damianitza. The wine's specific aroma of wild fruits, cherries, pepper and tobacco comes from the dry hot climate and the specific soils. Melnik Reservà ages in oak barrels, developing its specific bouquet of vanilla and spices. The astringency in the taste is soft, which is typical for old wines. The colour is specific for aged wines with oak overtones. Best served at 14-16° C. Go to the beginning of the page Damianitza Chardonnay A dry white wine with beautiful gold-yellow colour with green nuances. The nose is intensive and multi-layered with dry herbs, citrus and honey aromas. Its delicate taste is well balanced with nuances of toasted oak. The very fine fruity finish is long and refreshing. It marries well with fish dishes and white meat but will be pleasant on its own. Best served at 10 - 12° C. Go to the beginning of the page Damianitza Rose MELNIK The wine is a classical dry rose with pleasant intensive rose colour. The aroma is a rich bouquet of wild strawberry and cherry scent, spicy flavours and fragrant herbs. The taste is mild, fruity with characteristic freshness and a lasting finish. The wine leaves a charming impression with its untraditionally rich range of tastes and aromas that could be matched ideally with cheese, lamb, seafood and sweets. Best served at 10-12° C. Go to the beginning of the page DAMIANITZA Melnik A pure varietal dry red wine, produced from the indigenous Bulgarian variety "Shiroka Melnishka Loza" (Broad Leaved Vine of Melnik). The wine has a rich, exquisite aroma redolent of wild raspberry, cherries and sour cherries, combined with intriguing tobacco overtones. Medium bodied with lively acidity and spicy peppery finish, it is an ideal partner to strong flavoured dishes. Best served at 16 - 18° C. Go to the beginning of the page DAMIANITZA Cabernet Sauvignon A dry red wine with intensive ruby colour and a soft multi-layered aroma of black and red forest fruits, combined with exotic spices. The aftertaste is a harmonious balance of fruit, vanilla and pepper notes. Complex and well structured with robust nature, it matches well with red meats and game. Best served at 16-18° C. Go to the beginning of the page DAMIANITZA Merlot A dry red wine, crystal ruby in colour with complex, multi-layered aroma of wild strawberries and delicate oak overtones. Medium bodied and silky textured with a long, warm finish, it is an ideal accompaniment to light red meats and cheeses. Best served at 16-18° C. Go to the beginning of the page ROSE MELNIK This wine is a classical rose with a pleasant, intensive, rose colour. Produced from the red grape variety "Shiroka Melnishka Loza" (Broad Leaved Vine of Melnik), the juice is separated from the skins 36 hours after the fermentation. This wine displays fresh fruit flavours of wild strawberry and cherry scents, spicy aromas and fragrant herbs with good length and acidity. The wine leaves a charming impression with its untraditionally rich range of tastes and aromas. Best served at 10 - 12° C. Go to the beginning of the page MELNIK 13 This semi-sweet red wine is produced from the indigenous variety "Shiroka Melnishka Loza" (Broad Leaved Vine of Melnik) in the Struma River Valley Region, where the soils and climate guarantee excellent grape ripeness. Melnik 13 is an intriguing wine with intensive ruby colour and pleasant aromas of herbs, cherries, tobacco and forest fruits. It is soft, rich, and well rounded with just the required touch of acidity to make it harmonious to the palate. Melnik 13 is best served at 14 - 16° C. Go to the beginning of the page