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Bulgaria has an unique geographical position as a peculiar
bridge between Europe and Asia. This locality has attracted
both settlers and visitors from ancient times till now.
The result is a rich blend of influences and improvident
development of the wine industry.
According
to the archaeological findings Bulgarian wine was produced
6000 years BC and this makes Bulgaria the oldest documented
wine producing land in the world. Many of the Thracian monuments,
found on Bulgaria’s territory, are connected in some way
or another to the production and consumption of wine in
the Antiquity.
The
favourable climate, generous soil and valuable people made
the grape became an integrated feature in the culture of
Bulgaria. There are many festivals devoted to the „drink
of Gods“. The most important is the pagan Triffon Zarezan,
Wine Grower's Day, celebrated on 14th February. On that
day the peasants go to the vineyards to trim the vine-stocks
and to pour wine on the roots of the grapes to encourage
rich crops.
Nowadays
Bulgaria is famous for its ideal conditions for grape growing,
a long history of wine making, new investments and modern
equipment, a burgeoning ambition and an enviable reputation
among wine drinkers across the world. The country has indigenous
wine varieties and most famous are:
Gamza – Bulgarian varietal, planted mainly in the warm soils
of the Danubian plain in the Northern region. The best wines
come from Suhindol, Novo Selo, Pavlikeni and Pleven. The
grapes have light, soft structure, it is not really spicy,
but has deep colours. The consumption takes place more often
after 2-3 years of the production.
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Melnik – It is planted and produced only around the town
of Melnik in the very South-Western part of Bulgaria, close
to the Greek border. The wines are fresh, with the presence
of fruit, quite full in the mouth and supple texture. Savoury
astringent typical varietal finish.
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Mavrud – Unique red wine, common only for the region of
Assenovgrad in Bulgaria. It is crystal clear wine with the
typical ruby color of the sort, brisk and with beautiful
sparkle. The aroma is clear and enduring. The taste combines
that of grapes with a nuance of forest fruits.
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Pamid with its variety Rubin which is a crossing of Nebbiolo
and Syrah and it was developed in 1962 in Perushtitza town.
It is planted in patches north and south of the Balkan range
which divides the country, but seems most at home in the
south, in Perushtitza and Sliven. The wines are red, light
table wines for mass consumption. They have low acidity
and low extract and that is why they are not appropriate
for maturing and should be consumed young, right after fermentation
and clarification.
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„Villa Armira“ Merlot & Cabernet – in the very central
Southern region of Bulgaria, the district of Ivaylovgrad
– meticulously crafted wine, produced by the family run
Yamantiev's winery. The grapes are hand-picked from selected
vineyards at 200 m above sea level and reflect the specific
terroir of the southern slopes of Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopi
mountain. |
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