The Bulgarian Terroir

Located on the Mediterranean in the Balkans, between Italy and Turkey, wine-producing Bulgaria has the characteristics of great terroirs:

Its Mediterranean latitude

Its Mediterranean latitude (the same as Tuscany and Rioja) brings it the heat needed for a grape bursting with sugar (there is no chaptalisation).

The combination of 2 climates

The combination of 2 climates continental temperate and Mediterranean brings acidity (freshness), sunshine (over 200 days/year) (concentration) and so characterises the Bulgarian terroir (strength & finesse).

The warm wind

The warm wind from the Aegean and the Black Sea blows through the valley, heating the air mass which rises and leaving space for colder air masses from the mountains that descend into the Thracian Valley. This wind cleans the vines and prevents the development of illnesses.

The multitude

The multitude of microclimates (The Bulgarian mountains and valleys block the air masses and cause them to circulate, creating nuances in climate between zones that are relatively close by) offers an endless aromatic palette depending on the location and grape variety selected.

The richness

The richness of the shallow soils at the foot of the mountains or on the hillsides (carbonate humus, Chernozem) combined with the sub-soils (calcareous and sandstone sedimentary strata) allow the vines to grow deep roots and water to drain away.

The local varieties

The local varieties add identity and authenticity. The main grape varieties are: Mavrud, Rubin (a crossbreed of Nebbiolo and Syrah), Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Melnik 55, Dimyat, Pamid, Gamza and even red Misket.

This combination of elements engenders the production of a high-quality grape and brings concentration, fruitiness, a rich aroma, freshness and elegance to the wines.

Map of the wine-producing regions of the Bulgarian Chamber of Producers

Here is a list of the wines that best express the Bulgarian terroir:

Vinex Slavyantsi winery
Bessa Valley winery
Edoardo Miroglio winery
Santa Sarah winery
Castra Rubra
Terra Tangra

We work with traditional local producers and renowned international producers (Comte von Neipperg, Michel Rolland and Edoardo Miroglio) who have a clear vision of the potential and future of the Bulgarian terroir. They are dedicated people who focus on quality and continuity.

The wines presented are wines of the terroir. The grapes come from plots of land around the winery, are picked by hand with little crates, even for the basic wines.
The bunches of grapes are sorted and selected on a portable conveyor (pic castra rubra). The latest technology is used, the vinification by gravity. What an impressive winery Edoardo Miroglio has in the form of a spiral up to 3 levels below ground.
The barrels used for the malolactic fermentation and alcoholic fermentation are essentially in French oak.

Thanks to the talents of our Bulgarian and international œnologists such as Marc Dworkin or Ivailo Genowski, there is always an almost perfect balance between the alcohol, acidity and the tannins.