VINI Chardonnay 2019 $ 11.99. Didn’t know much about Bulgarian wine. Your Guide to Bulgarian wines | From indigenous grapes | Shipping all over Europe Bulwijn.nl Bulwijn.be Log in Create an account. Belvedere 3. Bessa Valley is the most prestigious vineyard in Bulgaria and these cuvées are something new for the Bulgarians and the Bulgarian vintners, of course, want to be “international” now and prove how good they have become. Select Your Cookie Preferences. Bessa Valley 6. Rubin is a successful crossing of Nebbiolo and Syrah. What Will Happen When Queen Elizabeth II Dies? Sounds like my taste! Thanks to a deal with Pepsico, California winemaking expertise was exchanged for cola. I’m definitely a white wine drinker over or red for sure. So cool to know where the name came from! Incredibly aromatic (a bit too perfumey for my taste in most cases) with a lot of floral and kiwi or tangerine notes on the nose this grape can be heady and overwhelming when made on it’s own in a hot climate. Email Address * Contact Us. For a while, Tcherga produced an acceptable white before the price went up — and the quality went down. Still, Rikat is rarely used as a single varietal wine, you’ll mostly find it used as a neutral grape used almost like Sémillon in the white Bordeaux blend to round out flavors. But 7/10 for taste and value. We will give you credit when we quote your blog. I do love discovering the undiscovered….:). Yes, wine! Ooh! Take a look at some of our award winning wines. Troyanska Williams Pear Rakia 50cl, 42% Special Price £17.95 Regular Price £20.95. When I was studying for WSET exams these are the names that gave me the most trouble trying to remember how to spell them let alone what their flavour profile was. “ The wine tasting visits are worth making them because the variety of wines is big the staff is very friendly and helpful and everything makes you feel good! Dimyat is a typical Bulgarian white variety, which is used to make aromatic dry white wines and brandies. Sadly Bulgaria is hopeless at the business of PR and its wine continues to receive little attention. Sparkling White Red Rosé Fortified Champagne Prosecco Features. But 7/10 for taste and value. Black Sea (East Bulgarian) The Black Sea region is where 30% of all vines are located. This isn’t actually a Bulgarian grape but I’m listing it here because when you find this grape (actually Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) in Bulgaria they treat it like it is a Bulgarian grape (including he-hem the name) and it certainly takes on a very unique character when grown in Bulgarian terroir. Lidl have started operations in Bulgaria, and I had read of their growing reputation in wine sales and their well-marketed ‘claret offensive’. Bulgaria is widely considered an unsung hero of good value red wine production, in the heart of Europe. Let me say it outright, I hadn’t heard about Bulgarian wines let alone their grapes. Bulgarian wine even helps fix backpain (apparently): And Bulgarian red wine holds the world record for its content of anti-oxidants. Offer. Miro Cellars; Cabernet Sauvignon; Gamza; Mavrud; Merlot; Melnik; Rubin; Syrah; Rakia; Menu Menu; White Wines. If they don’t-it won’t. Enira White 2019, Domaine Bessa Valley, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria Special Price £12.95 Regular Price £13 .50. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience and personalise content. Type. Very interesting post , Great photos! Jancis Robinson and Andrew Jefford of the FT has written about Bessa Vallay (and Todoroff). The local Bulgarian white grape varieties are: Dimyat, Vrachanski Misket, Red Misket, Keratzuda, Varnenski Misket (Dimyat and Riesling), Orphe (Red Misket and Pinot Noir), Gergana (Dimyat and Muscat Ottonel), Sungurlare Misket (Red Misket and Sauvignon Blanc), and Bisser (Dimyat and Sauvignon Blanc). I am publishing this appreciation of Bulgarian wine on 1 January 2016. I love wine but Bulgarian wine was unheard of before this post. Check out these top tips for choosing a great tasting and great value wine. They only produce 3500 bottles but at ex-cellar of €2.95 it is worth seeking out. thank you Marvi! Add to Cart. I was impressed though, by an excellent Chardonnay Tamianka blend I tasted at Bratanov Winery in South Sakar. Bessa Valley: Their standard (i.e. We use cookies and similar tools to enhance your shopping experience, to provide our services, understand how customers use our services so we can make improvements, and display ads. You are here: Home 1 / White Wines. I buy a lot of wine from them and from Logodaj. White wines from Bulgaria. The Mavrud sounds simply lovely and I’m dying for some red wine now. Mixed Half-Case of Bulgarian White Wines $ 81.94. In 1996, Bulgaria shifted 4.5 million cases in the UK, yet today it’s less than 10% of that. Delish! Thanks for the interesting post~. That’s a lovely list for wine lovers! Less perfumey than Tamianka but definitely remniscent of muscat this ‘Bulgarian muscat’ (dubbed so by most Bulgarian wine industry folks I spoke to) is a hybrid of Shiroka Melnika and pollens from Tamianka and Cabernet Sauvignon created by eonologists in 1979. So this “find” from my guest, was inspired. Grape growing and wine production have a long history in Bulgaria, dating back to the times of the Thracians.Wine is, together with beer and grape rakia, among the most popular alcoholic beverages in the country.. Bulgaria was the world's fourth largest wine exporter in 1980s, but the industry declined after the collapse of communism. The grape ripens in the second half of September. Bulgarian white wines have been a very hit and miss affair for me. This is a reliable and consistent wine producer. Bulgarian wine had a brief boom in Britain two decades ago, but easy-drinking cabernet sauvignons soon passed from an ‘in-the-know’ tipple to the butt of vinous jokes. I had no idea it was a thing, far less something with so much depth and breadth. Wine Regions; Bulgaria – FAQ; White Wines. Red Wine. Today is not a day for wine but for this powerful hangover cure: I’ve lived in Bulgaria for many years and drink only Bulgarian wine. The region is characterized by long and mild autumns that are a favourable condition for the accumulation of sugars to make fine white wine (53% of all white wine varietals are concentrated in the region). Hi Brooke, It is the best Bulgarian wine sold in the UK. The interesting thing about the Bulgarian grapes being used most predominantly currently is that some of them are grapes that have existed for thousands of years and others have been created more recently in a lab. They also produce house whites under the Sant Ilia label. I had no idea Bulgarian wine was so complex. It is the best Bulgarian wine sold in the UK. I Had a Damned Good Reason For Leaving My Perfect Husband. Misket sounds good and I like pink. The Nargon 2001 is sheer paradise (8 euros). Vineyards at the Salla Estate Winery in the North Black Sea region . The Chardonnay toned down the overt aromas a bit and added some nice acidity and just enough weight. The best wine I tried. During the Roman era, techniques improved and this was likely when white wines were introduced. My guess is that pink grapes make it so. The result (when care is take in the winemaking process) can be lovely lean, crisp, clean white wines with subtle and pleasant muscat aromatics that don’t overpower. Black C was the biggest surprise of the evening for me. PREZZO Brut White Sparkling Wine. “ We got back, it is a bit difficult to reach Mogilovo (the village where Midalidare estate is situated). Their Blanc de Noir (6 euros) was quite a disappointment after a few years spent living in Cape Town and drinking the Cape blanc de noirs. 13% ABV. The history of wine-making in the country of Bulgaria began at least 3000 years ago with the ancient Thracians. Bulgarian winemakers are doing their part. I’m a long time wine industry professional (17 yrs!) Another 10/10 for marketing. Probably yoghurt, rose oil and wine. Here are a list of the most common (not an exhaustive list) Bulgarian grapes being used in Bulgarian wine production currently: Has been cultivated since ancient times in Southwest Bulgaria’s Struma River Valley . Dimyat (Димят) is Bulgaria’s most widely grown indigenous white grape and its wine is often consumed chilled in the hot summer days. Though later ripening than the more newly developed Melnik 55, the Shiroka Melnik has a more red fruit forward (with some baking spices or tobacco) and medium body with less strong tannins and tar notes than Melnik 55. This is the centuries old French tradition and was started here in 2006 by the advent of the German count “Graf von Neippberg” who founded the Bessa Valley Vineyard near Plovdiv and whose family owns “Canon la Gaffelière” in St. Emilion (a St. Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B). I drink this when we stay at our villa in the Rhodope Mountains that divide the southern Bulgarian border and Greece. I found this recent video of Steven Spurrier on the subject of Bulgarian wine. Even though wine may not come immediately to mind or if it does, you may expect cheap wine, placed on the lowest shelves – or at least that's how some may know it form the late 80's anyway. Thanks for sharing this amazing list. Using the Bacchus lists to guide me, I did the rounds at the Fair and arrived at these rankings for the red wine producers: 1. 8/10. Interesting post. While the quality has improved in the past decade, Bulgarian white wine doesn’t yet have an identity, Atanasov notes: “We are developing it.” He has been promoting the country’s aromatic whites for about two years. Actually a pink grape, this ancient variety is grown in most of the wine regions in Bulgaria that produce dry white wines. Terra Tangra 2. You Will Never Be Rich If You Keep Doing These 10 things, Why Your Body Sometimes Jerks As You Fall Asleep, What My Son’s Final Words Taught Me About Happiness. You don’t see very many 100% Rubin wines but I tasted a very good cab franc/merlot/rubin blend (called the South Sakar Hills blend) at Bratanov winery. Does anyone know what's the best local lager and white wine which will be the closets to these and is cider available in some places? If you’d like to be the first to hear about our new wines, upcoming activities, and more— please join our email list. Top offers in this week. Bulgaria have indeed a lot of wines to offer. Bulgaria is really a country for red wine, not white. Lidl’s limited-edition Hungarian wine range launches TODAY (and you can grab a decent bottle for less than a FIVER) Prices range from only £4.99 to £7.99 for the Hungarian wines Sarah Mooney Since I’m more of a white wine person, I’d probably go for a Dimyat with the distinct vanilla nuances. Would love to try the Dimyat, can’t resist vanilla in any form. Should anyone be tempted to visit Plovdiv to taste the wines, I recommend the lovely Hebros Hotel in the Old Town, which also has a wonderful restaurant: But, truthfully, my best times with wine in the Balkans have been with home-made wine. Thank you for this introduction to Bulgarian grapes wine. Online shopping for Grocery from a great selection of Red Wine, White Wine, Rosé Wine & more at everyday low prices. I hadn’t really heard of Bulgarian wines, so this break down is much appreciated. Chateau de Val Cuvee Trophy 2006 (Chateau de Val) Encore 2007 (Katarzyna Estate) Enira Reserva 2006 (Bessa Valley) Levent Grand Selection chardonnay 2007 (VK Rousse) Levent Grand Selection 2006 (VK Rousse) Maxxima Private Reserva 2003 (Maxxima Cellars) Minkov Brothers Cuvee 2007 (Sis Industries) Nobile Rubin 2006 (Logodaj) Question Mark 2007 (Katarzyna Estate) Roto 2006 (Terra Tangra) Rubaiyat chardonnay 2006 (Vinex Preslav) Santa Sarah BIN41 merlot 2007 (Santa Sarah) Santa Sarah Privat 2006 (Santa Sarah) Santa Sarah Snow Wine 2005 (Santa Sarah) Solitaire Elenovo merlot 2006 (Domaine Boyar) Terra Tangra Cuvee 2006 (Terra Tangra) Terra Tangra Grand Reserva 2006 (Terra Tangra) Uniqato Rubin 2006 (Damianitza) Via Diagonalis 2007 (Kastra Rubra) Vinissimo American Barrel 2006 (Rachev & Son), The wines that made it into the top 10 were (with prices): Enira Reserva 2006 (Bessa Valley) 21 euros Maxxima Private Reserva 2003 (Maxxima Cellars) 14 euros Nobile Rubin 2006 (Logodaj) 10 euros Question Mark 2007 (Katarzyna Estate) 20 euros Roto 2006 (Terra Tangra) 29 euros Santa Sarah Privat 2006 (Santa Sarah) 24 euros Solitaire Elenovo merlot 2006 (Domaine Boyar) 25 euros Terra Tangra Cuvee 2006 (Terra Tangra) 9 euros Terra Tangra Grand Reserva 2006 (Terra Tangra) 12 euros Vinissimo American Barrel 2006 (Rachev & Son) 9 euros. Whatever you decide, here are the must-try local types of grape in Bulgaria: Gamza (Гъмза) – dry red and dessert wines from the Danubian Plain region and especially Northwestern Bulgaria.Gamza is a.k.a Kadarka in other countries like Romania and Hungary and it is a great chance to taste a young red wine. Thanks for this list for I will now look out for them. I am however a little reluctant to recommend the company Belvedere as it was stolen from its French owners by the Bulgarian mafia with the paid co-operation of the rotten Bulgarian judiciary. Recent DNA studies have shown it to be a cross with Gouais Blanc. Our website uses cookies to analyse traffic, personalise advertising and show you more of what you love. The most noticeable trend in Bulgaria is towards cuvées, mixtures of different grape varieties. White Wine » Bulgarian white wine. The best candidates for producers of pleasant inexpensive whites were : 1. We are expanding our social media presence and would like permission to use some of your blogs on our site. You will see his name around a lot in Bulgaria! Rikat (aka Rkatsitelli “Kat-seh-telly”) This is of Eastern Europe’s top white varieties and the most planted white grape in Bulgaria. Add to cart Show Details. The Only a couple of them were much better than the very drinkable drafht white wine we drink every day when we drive to the nearby Greek Northern Aegean coast. Dimyat does sound like my kind of wine while Misket sounds a bit like the dessert wines. (I have become Continental in the sense that wine is only drunk in the company of food.). The New York Times describes Plovdiv as “Roman Grandeur East of Italy”. The color of a grape doesn’t affect its sweetness. Our Irresistible wines are ideal for a special occasion. A great example of this is at Orbelia winery. We encamp to our place in the equally ancient port of Sozopol on the Black Sea in the summer. Add to cart Show Details. His wines are sold in UK by Berry Brothers and Rudd and “The Wine Society”. My family and I live in the ancient city of Plovdiv, situated on the Thracian Plains just by the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains, home of Odysseus. For example, Domaine Boyar had an extravagant stand and mediocre wines. While much of the wine produced in Bulgaria is made from commonly known international varietals and wineries generally grow and produce many different varietals (not focusing on a few varietals-but instead experimenting with many) there are some very interesting wines being made from Bulgarian grapes as well. No minimum order, delivery throughout UK, wholesale prices available. Ok, you got with those white wines list. Find the perfect wine. A full bodied, deep colored, intense varietal. 10/10 for their marketing story. I love wine and I had no idea Bulgaria had their own wines too! They make wines from the Mavrud grape that is unique to Bulgaria.The Mavrud Special Selection 2001 from the Pamidovo wine cellar is the best Mavrud I had ever tasted. Wow, Love your blog, wine is one of my favorite subjects, hehe. Great insight on each type of wine. Well rated by the wine writer Andrew Jefford. This report is based on notes I wrote about visit to the fair in 2009. Belvedere: They produce wines under the labels Tcherga, Katerina, Contemplations, Sakar and Menada. (The Bacchus Best White — Chateau de Val — was not represented at the Vinaria so I could not try that.). This post on Bulgarian grapes and wines is an eye-opener. Add to cart Show Details. Todoroff. It’s impossible to find anything comparable for that kind of money in the West.They also have an “Antique Mavrud Brandy” . When oaked (with some new oak) this grape can make quite an inky, heavy wine. http://www.kristovafamilypartners.com. I simply could not spit it out. yes I can imagine finding these wines is not easy if you aren’t in Bulgaria or a very nearby country! Vastly improved quality, and the emergence of a new generation of quality focused producers make Bulgaria worth a fresh look. They sell their wine in three tiers: Terres (12 euros), Galleria (7 euros), and Boutique (5 euros). Logodaj — Nobile Rubin (13 euros). Browse our great selection of wines by country from Waitrose Cellar Our Cookies. I tried their French wines, but I quickly returned to the Bulgarian stuff. Terra Tangra — the best wine producer in Bulgaria according to Bacchus Magazine. White wine; pretty lifted floral and fruity nose with a slightly green, cornichons edge. Irresistible wines . Our Cookies. Eduardo Miroglio — I had high hopes here. Very consistent. And of course, I find that driving through a countryside filled with vineyards is one of the most rewarding experiences. They were not on the radar then so even tasting them was problematical. Of these, the full-throttle, somewhat rustic but recognisable blackcurrant-flavoured Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon was by far the most successful, to such an extent that at one point Bulgaria was a serious exporter of wine to the UK. VINI Pinot Grigio 2019 $ 11.99. I’ve only started really enjoying wine over the last few years, so I feel like I have a lot to learn. Castra Rubra. . Bulgaria! Pamidovo — this is a low-key producer. If the winemaker chooses to let the grape ripen until the sugars are higher it will be sweeter. Damianitsa (n.b. I love sampling new wines, but was totally unaware of Bulgarian grapes. Uniquato wine), Terra Tangra: Yatrus Sauvignon Blanc (10 euros) was a lovely wine like Sancerre, and the best white I tried. Trakia Estates: They provide fine red house wines under the Granit and Rothenburg labels. BULGARIAN WINE VARIETIES. Really loved learning through this post and can’t wait to start tasting those amazing and complex flavours! We drink white wine and eat freshly grilled fish and salad and abundant figs and apricots and peaches by the sea. The supermarkets offer a wide range of imported wines but it makes no sense to pay a premium for what is not better wine than the domestic offers. Free UK delivery for all orders over £100 ... White Wine. Yane Sandanski was a Bulgarian revolutionist and ‘hero of the people’. Nice length. I don’t drink at all, but the art of wine making and tasting is very intriguing to me. LABRUSCA Red. Bulgarian Wine. 2018 Tcherga White $ 13.99. 10/10 for taste/ value. Their Cuvee 2006 was shortlisted in the Bacchus Wine of the Year competition 2008 and is a great deal at 8 euros. Misket Actually a pink grape, this ancient variety is grown in most of the wine regions in Bulgaria that produce dry white wines. 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