Bulgarian Wine

Bulgarian wine production was only introduced as Rome gave way to Byzantium in the 6th century when vines were planted in the area around Melnik, but the Bulgars learned fast. Not all of the country is suitable for wine production, but Bulgarian deep mountain valleys, its very varied soil types and its combination of weather systems combine to produce several excellent micro-climates.

Much of the Bulgarian wine production was given over to domestic consumption until the communist era, when a successful export market grew quickly in the years after the 1960s. Before the fall of the regime Bulgaria was in the top 10 wine exporters. Much of it arrived in UK off-licences. Bulgarian wine was renowned for its cheap hearty red vin de table, the staple reliable budget choice for millions of Brits. Unfortunately, with the fall of the regime, the wine industry suffered the same problems as many Bulgarian industries - market forces didn't sit well on the newly independent managements' shoulders and exports dropped.

The wine market was also changing and drinkers were demanding higher quality than Bulgarian wine producers could supply in the short term. The most forward-thinking began a process of reinvestment, replanting old and more rustic domestic varieties of vine with internationally recognised varieties such as Merlot and Chardonnay. In 2002, 57 million litres of bottled wine were exported. Bulgaria was 17th in the world for area under vines and the country had more than 50 wineries. The best Bulgarina wine producers are producing some well- respected wine, though there are still many quaffable, less expensive options to explore.

There are several levels of quality for Bulgarian wine. The basic quality is table wine. This is always a blend of unspecified grape varieties and does not denote the origin of the wine. Country wine is another blend, but this time only two grape varieties can be combined and these must be stated on the label. Wines of Declared Geographical Origin (DGO) are made from a single grape variety within a specific geographical location. At present these constitute 70% of Bulgarian wine production.
Controlled Appellation of Origin (AOC) wines are classified in line with the French system of quality control. They have to be made of a specific grape variety in vineyards with specific yield limits per hectare within a denoted region.
DGO and AOC wines achieve reserve status if they have been aged in oak for more than three years for reds or two years for whites.
Grape Varieties
For Bulgarian red wines, the French grape varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are being planted but local red varieties include: Gamza, the most widespread grape, producing soft, fruity, light-bodied wine; Mavrud, producing full-bodied red that ages well; Melnik, mostly grown in the southeast, producing heavy reds that age well; and Pamid, the mainstay of much of the table wine.
Bulgarian white wines made from international grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are available, but you may also find local varieties Misket, Ottonel and Diamat.

Bulgarian wine labels to look for
The following wineries/regions have a
high reputation:
Damiantza
Vini Sliven
Suhindol
Domaine Boyar
Slavyantsi
Haskovo
St Nikola